Airbus starts production in France and Spain again

The aircraft manufacturer Airbus is fully affected by the consequences of the corona virus crisis and takes precautions. However, the group does not seek direct government help.

Toulouse (dpa) - After a break of several days due to the coronavirus crisis, Airbus partially resumes production in France and Spain.

In view of the pandemic, there are new hygiene and safety regulations that are now also applicable at other international locations, the air and armament group announced on Monday in Toulouse. CEO Guillaume Faury said Airbus customers were badly hit by the crisis. He therefore called for government support for airlines. However, the Frenchman does not seek direct help from governments for his company.

The group had suspended production in France and Spain for four days last week due to the pandemic. The Airbus locations in other countries, especially in Germany, Great Britain, Canada, the USA and China, were not affected. However, Faury spoke of a production interruption at the Hamburg location last Friday. Production in China had resumed after a break in February.

"It is our responsibility to act now," said Faury. Airbus is canceling its forecast for the current year because of the crisis. There is a lot of uncertainty in the short term, it is too early for a concrete new outlook for the year. In addition, the dividend of EUR 1.80 per share planned for 2019 should not be paid. Airbus wants to secure additional liquidity with a new credit line of over 15 billion euros. US archrival Boeing had previously announced that it would cut executive salaries and dividends.

"We are not seeking direct government help for Airbus," said Faury, referring to the group's financial measures. Support for suppliers who got into difficulties, however, makes sense. "It's a very complicated industry," said Faury. An aircraft has up to 500,000 individual parts.

"I am convinced that Airbus and the aerospace industry as a whole will overcome this critical phase." Airbus is in contact with all airlines. "We continue to see a high level of trust in Airbus."

France is the most important production country for Airbus besides Germany. The company is building all of the A330neo, A350 long-haul jets and, by 2021, the giant A380. Part of the medium-haul jets of the A320 model family and the much sought-after new A320neo will also be assembled in Toulouse. In Spain, Airbus manufactures the A400M military transport aircraft, military tankers and helicopters. The group recently employed around 135,000 people worldwide.

Because of the Covid 19 crisis, the group recommended that shareholders attend the "not in person" general meeting scheduled for April 16 in Amsterdam. Instead, powers of attorney and instructions should be issued.

Airbus brought around two million protective masks from China to Europe with a test aircraft. Most of these should be made available to governments, Faury said. According to the company, further flights are planned.