1-3 Journal: Airbus SE Company Analysis
Billie J. Foster
Southern New Hampshire University
MBA 540 Organizational Strategy in Global Environment
Dr. Rodolfo Santamaria
January 9, 2025
Airbus SE Company Analysis
Introduction
To prepare for the appointment as the Director of Strategic Planning for Airbus SE, it is
crucial to conduct thorough research on the company to understand its business model and
customer base. This information will help develop strategic recommendations to improve the
company's market share or increase revenue. By delving into Airbus SE's primary products and
services, describing their customer base, and identifying one obstacle the company is facing or
facing in the future, it is possible to understand better how this obstacle might impact its revenue
or market share. This understanding will enable the development of a strong strategic
recommendation.
Company Overview
Airbus SE is the leading aeronautics corporation that generates revenue through three
major reportable business segments from its global headquarters in Leiden, South Holland, the
Netherlands (Airbus SE, 2025):
1. Airbus: This business segment engages in the development, manufacturing,
marketing, and sale of commercial jet aircraft, freighter aircraft, regional turboprop
aircraft and components, aircraft conversion, and related services (Airbus SE, 2025).
2. Airbus Helicopters: This division focuses on the development, manufacturing,
marketing, and sale of civil and military helicopters, as well as the provision of
helicopter-related services (Airbus SE, 2025).
3. Airbus Defense and Space: This segment of the company develops, designs, and
supports a range of services through four program lines:
Military Aircraft
Space Systems
Connected Intelligence
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Customer Base
The leading aeronautics corporation, Airbus SE, with global operations in more than 180
locations worldwide, has a vast and diverse customer base across its three major business
segments. It primarily serves businesses in the commercial airline industry, defense
organizations, and governments. Airbus SE's most extensive customer base includes major
commercial airlines worldwide, such as Delta Air Lines, Uzbekistan Airways, American Airlines,
Lufthansa, and Air France (Ahlgren & Staff, 2023). The Airbus Defense and Space segment
caters to various defense organizations and government agencies, providing military aircraft and
related services (Ramirez, 2024). This includes branches of the US military, the Department of
Homeland Security, and NASA (Goverance-Customers, n.d.). Additionally, Airbus SE works
directly with governments on commercial and defense-related projects (Ramirez, 2024),
providing aircraft for government use and participating in joint defense and space projects.
Obstacle Current or Future
One current obstacle impacting the global aircraft manufacturing leader is the disruption
of the supply chain on a global scale (Rudge, 2024). Airbus SE struggles to acquire the critical
components needed to manufacture aircraft structural components and interior cabin equipment,
such as semiconductors and titanium (Rudge, 2024). These supply chain constraints are causing
delivery delays, prompting commercial airlines to keep their older aircraft in service longer
(Rudge, 2024). Keeping older aircraft in service, airlines run the risk of safety issues with these
aircraft. Supply shortages are also causing the company to revise production targets for key
aircraft models, including the A320 family, a critical revenue driver, the A350 family, and the
A220 family (Rudge, 2024). The reduction in production targets affects not only the company's
revenue but also its reputation for reliability with its major customers, such as Delta Air Lines
(A220 models), Uzbekistan Airways (A320 models), and China Eastern (A350 models)
(Ramirez, 2024). Continued prolonged delays in production may result in increased customer
dissatisfaction and potential loss of market share to competitors who can meet demand and
delivery timelines more efficiently.
Conclusion
Airbus SE stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience in the ever-evolving world of
aeronautics and the race to manufacture modern aircraft. As the leading aeronautics corporation
with operations in 180 locations worldwide, Airbus SE continues to carve a niche through its
three major business segments: Airbus Commercial Jet Aircraft, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus
Defense and Space Systems. It is a global powerhouse with a diverse customer base that spans
major commercial airlines, government defense organizations, and agencies. However, the road
less traveled is not without its challenges. The company is grappling with supply chain issues,
particularly in acquiring essential materials. Despite these obstacles, Airbus SE remains
dedicated, resilient, and determined to deliver sustainable and innovative products to its global
customers.
References
Ahlgren, L., & Staff, S. F. (2023, February 8). These Airlines Are Airbus' Biggest Customers.
Retrieved from Simple Flying: https://simpleflying.com/airbus-biggest-customers/
Airbus SE. (2025, January 3). Retrieved from Global Data:
https://explorer.globaldata.com/Company/Summary/eads-nv
Airbus SE. (2025, January 5). Retrieved from Mergent Online:
https://www.mergentonline.com/companydetail
Goverance-Customers. (n.d.). Retrieved from Airbus US: https://airbusus.com/governance-
customers/
Ramirez, M. (2024, March 29). Airbus SE: Business Model, SWOT Analysis, and Competitors
2024. Retrieved from Pitchgrade: https://pitchgrade.com/companies/airbus-se
Rudge, S. (2024, July 9). Airbus Slashes Targets Amid Persistent Supply Chain Disruptions.
Retrieved from Supply Chain World: https://scw-mag.com/news/airbus-slashes-targets-
amid-persistent-supply-chain-disruptions/
