Airbus in Chile

Our presence in Chile

Airbus has been present in Chile for more than 50 years, starting with the Alouette for the Navy, and has had a direct presence in the country since 2001, when it established its first facilities.

Since then, Airbus has played a leading role in the development of the Chilean aerospace industry and has made a long-term commitment to the country through its local presence.

Our impact

With over 100 employees across all divisions, the company has established a strong base in Chile.

In 2001, Airbus opened its facilities in Chile to support its helicopter customers. In 2018, Airbus continued to grow with the construction of its new Customer Centre, and in 2021, Airbus inaugurated the Airbus Chile Training Centre (ACTC), housing two A320 full-flight simulators.

Our products & services

With more than two decades of direct presence in Chile, Airbus is the country's leading aerospace company with a 70% market share of the country's in-service commercial aircraft fleet, 11 in-service military aircraft, an Earth Observation Satellite and an in-service fleet of 140+ helicopters.

Commercial Aircraft in Chile

Our products & services

Airbus leads the commercial aircraft market with 70% market share.

The LATAM Airlines Group, is one of Airbus' largest airline customers worldwide, operating over 200 A320 Family aircraft.

SKY became an Airbus operator in 2010 and an all-Airbus operator in 2013.

JetSMART, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) started operations in 2017. This all-Airbus airline has planned its growth around the A320 Family.

In 2021, Airbus inaugurated the Airbus Chile Training Centre (ACTC) with A320 Full Flight Simulators to support the airline´s growth.

Ecocopter, Chile H145 Firefighting mission

Helicopters in Chile

Our products & services

Airbus Helicopters has been present in Chile for more than 20 years and plays a key role as the only OEM in the Southern Cone, providing world-class maintenance services, customer support and pilot and technician training for more than 300 helicopters.

The Airbus Helicopters Training Academy in Chile has trained more than 1,000 pilots, mechanics and technicians from all over Latin America. This state-of-the-art facility, the only one of its kind in Chile, includes a mock-up room for simulating maintenance tasks.

Defence in Chile

Our products & services

Airbus Defence and Space has been present in Chile since the 1970s, when the Chilean government purchased the C212 from the former Construcciones Aeronáuticas (CASA).

Airbus has continued to support the Chilean Armed Forces and has been the main supplier of medium cargo aircraft with 11 military aircraft in operation, including the C295 and tactical strategic mobility capabilities for many years.

Space in Chile

Our products & services

Airbus Defence and Space has built the two most powerful Earth observation systems ever developed for Latin America. One of them is FaSat Charlie, owned and operated by the Chilean Air Force.

FaSat Charlie operated perfectly in orbit for 10 years and was the first Earth observation system ever flown in Latin America. Today, the satellite has been decommissioned after serving Chile and its society for more years than expected.

Sustainability and environment

Through the Airbus Foundation and in collaboration with its customers, NGOs, government and armed forces, the company has provided humanitarian aid, educational opportunities and environmental initiatives.

Examples include the Airbus Diversity Awards, launched in 2012 to promote diversity in engineering education. In 2018, SaviaLab, an organisation affiliated to the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Católica de Chile, took home the first prize after presenting a project to support underprivileged, underserved and indigenous populations in the study of mathematics and engineering.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2010, Airbus supported disaster relief efforts with the A330-200F freighter. Following the devastating floods in northern Chile in 2015, the Airbus Foundation supported police search and rescue efforts, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbus provided support for inter-hospital transfers, as well as medical supplies such as vaccines and essential items to several cities in southern Chile.

Since 2022, Airbus has also been implementing Community Impact projects in Chile in partnership with local NGOs. Two educational programmes with local schools, reforestation activities and the construction of shelters have been carried out.

Airbus Chile has implemented initiatives to reduce its daily footprint, and today solar panels cover 100% of the daily energy consumption with a total of 729 solar panels.