Airbus in Italy

Our local presence

Airbus in Italy

Airbus has been a strong partner of Italy’s aerospace sector for nearly 50 years. Italy has always proved to be a source of excellent collaboration for all Airbus divisions: Commercial Aircraft, Airbus Helicopters and Defence & Space. Italy is an important market, supplier base and source of some of the world’s most innovative technology partners.

Airbus in Italy has more than 160 direct employees, and around 12,500 people who work on dedicated supply chain jobs with Italian suppliers across manufacturing, engineering and IT sectors.

Italy’s significant sourcing volumes make it a key country for all three divisions of Airbus. Airbus has over 110 suppliers across the country, making Italy Airbus’ 6th sourcing country in Europe and the 9th worldwide, with a yearly spend of around € 600 million and Leonardo being the number one supplier with around € 200 million.

Our products and services

Some 80 Airbus aircraft are in operation with Italian airlines, and around 240 helicopters, and nearly 90 military aircraft provide battle-winning, surveillance and life-saving capability to the Italian armed services.

ITA Airways formation flight - rendering

Commercial Aircraft in Italy

Our products & services

Airlines have been flying Airbus aircraft since 1978, when Alitalia placed its first order for eight Airbus A300B4s. Since then, Airbus has been the backbone of Italy’s commercial aviation sector, providing the country’s airlines with the most fuel efficient aircraft.

Air Corporate’s ACH160 over the Colosseum © Ned Dawson

Helicopters in Italy

Our products & services

Airbus helicopters have been flying in Italy for 50 years and the company is a key player in the Italian helicopter market with 90 customers and a fleet of around 240 helicopters in service.

Airbus Helicopters is now present in Italy with a dedicated customer centre in Verona and with a full-fledged service centre in Trento.

Inmarsat GX7, 8 & 9 satellites - Artist view

Defence and Space in Italy

Our products & services

Airbus Defence and Space has a proven portfolio of products and services on offer to Italy. Airbus Italia, the Italian footprint of Airbus Defence and Space, has a recognized expertise in satellite missions covering Telecommunication, Earth Observation and Navigation including space as well as ground segment.

Our focus areas

Sustainable aerospace

Decarbonising the industry requires a joint commitment and Airbus is open to exploring opportunities for collaboration with its many partners in Italy, including research and development organisations and regulators, to achieve a sustainable, innovative and safe aerospace system. Airbus supports Italy’s transition to a more innovative economy, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Airbus Sustainability Booklet cover without text

Partnerships: a fundamental contribution to Italian exports

Airbus contributes to Italy’s export capabilities through strategic partnerships with Leonardo. These include the turboprop manufacturer ATR, MBDA missile systems, the NH90 military helicopter, the Eurofighter combat plane and IAMCO, NATO's maintenance contractor.

Next European sovereignty: EUROMALE

The European MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), is a joint European programme to answer future UAS requirements. It has been launched by Airbus DS with Leonardo and Dassault Aviation as a joint industrial-government initiative between France, Germany, Spain and Italy. EuroMALE will provide the European nations with an unmanned aerial system with outstanding operational capabilities, granting the sovereignty they need.