Airbus will cut 2,362 jobs in its Defense and Space division by the end of 2021 due to "the sluggishness of the space market and the postponement of several defense contracts", the group announced on Wednesday European.
During a European works council, Airbus indicated that it intended to cut 829 positions in Germany, 630 in Spain, 404 in France, 357 in the United Kingdom and 142 in other countries, the group said in a press release. .
The modalities of these job cuts (possible age measures, internal reorganization or departure plan) "will be the subject of future discussions with representative organizations", according to a source familiar with the matter. "Airbus Defense and Space is committed to providing details of its intentions and to continuing a constructive dialogue with employee representatives," added the group.
Deferral of several defense contracts
Space and defense activities posted 8.5 billion euros in order intake in 2019 and the division, which represents 15% of the group's turnover, recorded an operational loss of 881 million euros.
"If the underlying commercial outlook remains solid, particularly in its core businesses, the division recorded a net order / delivery ratio of less than 1 for the third consecutive year, mainly due to the sluggishness of the space market and the postponement of several defense contracts, making these measures necessary ”, justifies the European aircraft manufacturer.
The group had in particular to register a new charge of 1.2 billion euros on the A400M military transport aircraft program with chaotic development, being forced to revise downwards its "export ambitions". The aircraft manufacturer delivered 14 A400M last year.
