By 2026, Lars Wagner will take the helm of the commercial aircraft division of Airbus, bringing with him valuable expertise in industrial management and subcontracting. This former Airbus employee, currently at the head of the German engine manufacturer MTU, could be a major asset in ensuring the timely delivery of the much-anticipated aircraft. As pressure mounts due to increasing production rates, Wagner, with his solid experience, will be tasked with broadening his industrial vision to tackle these new strategic challenges.
In order to meet new challenges, Airbus has chosen to enlist Lars Wagner, the current CEO of MTU Aero Engines, an expert in factory management and subcontracting. Set to begin in early 2026, this leadership change at the helm of the Commercial Aircraft division reflects the aircraft manufacturer’s commitment to focusing on production and meeting delivery deadlines during times of tension within the supply chain. This appointment also underscores the group’s obsession with mastering rising production rates, despite upcoming strategic challenges.
airbus bets on lars wagner to optimize production
In 2026, a new chapter will be written for the commercial aircraft division of Airbus with the arrival of Lars Wagner at its helm. At a time when production goals are more ambitious than ever, notably 770 aircraft deliveries in 2024, this choice resonates as a clear statement of priorities focused on optimizing industrial processes. Mr. Wagner is no stranger to the industry, having effectively led MTU, a key supplier in the aerospace sector. His appointment comes at a time when pressure is high on suppliers, and his extensive experience promises to reinvigorate Airbus’s production lines.
an expert in operational management for significant challenges
With his engineering background, Lars Wagner has a well-established reputation for demands and constructivism, valuable qualities for ensuring transitions within factories. His past at Airbus, from 2003 to 2015, has given him a nuanced understanding of technical issues, as well as crucial supplier relationships in the current landscape. In an environment where supply chains are sometimes strained, his expertise combined with Airbus’s monitoring strategy remains essential. The approach of monitoring subcontractors is strengthening, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail to prevent any potential imbalance.
paving the way for innovation and future strategy
The arrival of Wagner precedes major strategic challenges, notably the launch of a successor program to the popular A320neo. While his work will need to focus on optimizing production, it is also crucial that he aims for innovation to ensure Airbus’s long-term sustainable competitiveness. As Boeing currently faces some difficulties, Airbus seeks to score points on the overall aerospace industry scoreboard, striving to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining its ambitions for sustained growth. His time at MTU enables him to maintain this dual vision, production and innovation, aimed at both structured and visionary growth.
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