Airbus UK Pension Scheme

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    Airbus UK Pension Scheme | Schedule 1

    A tax-efficient hybrid scheme consisting of a “Defined Benefit” final salary pension scheme with an investment top up

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    Airbus UK Pension Scheme | Schedule 2

    A Defined Benefit final salary pension scheme and a tax efficient way to save for your retirement.

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    Airbus UK Pension Scheme | Schedule 3

    Each year you are an active member you will build up a pensionbased on the base pension level you opted for

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    Airbus UK Pension Scheme | Schedule 4

    The Retirement Plan is a defined contribution, money purchase pension pension scheme for all new employees.

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    Airbus UK Pension Scheme | Schedule 5

    Your pension contributions are made under a salary sacrifice pension arrangement

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Pension news

The Annual Report and Accounts are available.

You can view the latest edition of Pension news for your section by clicking on the links below. The Trustee issues a newsletter at least once a year. Any links that refer to Pension news should link to the newest tab.

Most members are in the Airbus UK Pension Scheme, only members who joined Airbus after 1 November 2013 will be in the Airbus UK Retirement Plan.

In order to view Pension news, you will need to have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer.

Copies of the Pension Newsletter are available via your EPa or MYA online account.

Frequestly asked questions

Please find some answers to FAQs on the UK Pension Scheme.

Is there life assurance?

Yes, the life assurance cover depends upon which schedule you belong to. However, there are restrictions if you did not join the scheme when first eligible.

Will my spouse get a pension if I die in service?

If you are a member of either schedule 1 or 3 your Spouse will receive a pension on your death in service. However, there are restrictions if you did not join the scheme when first eligible.
Schedule 1 "Protection for your family on death"
Schedule 3 "Protection for your family on death"
If you are a member of Schedule 2 you can buy extra life assurance and you receive tax relief on the premiums. Schedule 2 "Protection for your family on death".
There is no spouse's pension payable from the Airbus UK Retirement Plan

When can I draw my pension?

The normal retirement age is 65. However, you can ask your employer to draw the pension early, but not before age 55. If the pension is taken early the value will be reduced to take account of the longer payment period. You cannot draw your pension and carry on working for the employer.

How are my contributions invested?

DB - The contributions into the core scheme meet the overall cost of providing the core benefits which are linked to your final pay and service. The employer pays the balance of the cost.For Schedule 1 or pay Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) you have a range of funds in which you can invest with L&G. If you don't make a choice, then your pot will be invested in the Airbus Cash Lifestyle Profile.
DC - Your contributions are invested in a range of funds offered by the Trustee. If you don't make a choice, then your Retirement Fund will be invested in the Airbus Drawdown Lifestyle Profile.

What type of pension scheme do Airbus offer in the UK?

Schedules 1, 2 and 3 are based on a formula linked to your pay near the date you leave or retire from the Scheme and the length of your pensionable service in the Scheme.
See the “How it Works" page Schedule 1Schedule 2Schedule 3
Airbus UK Retirement Plan is a defined contribution scheme.

What options do I get at retirement?

DB - You can exchange part of your core pension for a cash sum, which is tax free.The remaining pension is then paid monthly..  If you have AVCs or Retirement Account investments you will be able to choose how to use the fund. The Pension administrators will send you a Retirement Pack as you approach retirement.
DC - There are three key options, buying an annuity, taking a flexible income or taking cash – you can take your whole pot in one go. In addition 25% of your pot to be taken tax free with the remainder taxed at your marginal rate.

More information at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

What happens if I go on maternity/paternity/adoption leave?

Whilst you continue to be paid, membership continues as normal. When unpaid leave applies, pension contributions stop, but you remain a full member of the pension scheme and continue to be covered for life assurance. If you return from leave your pension deductions will recommence, and you will be given the option to pay arrears of pension contributions to make up the gap in pensionable service. If you do not pay the contribution arrears you will have a break in service. If you do not return from maternity/paternity/adoption leave, you will be treated as a leaver from the date of unpaid leave.

How is my pension calculated, if I change my working hours?

DB - An adjustment will be made to your  pension calculation. The service part of the calculation will be converted to give you a proportion of the full time equivalent service. For example, if you work half the number of hours you would be given half the amount of service. Your scheme pay used to calculate your pension is also converted to a full time rate of pay. If you work half the number of hours your rate of pensionable pay would be doubled (i.e. to a full time equivalent). This method is used for each change.
DC - All contributions are based on the basic pay received.

Can I transfer pension benefits into the Scheme from other pension schemes?

The Trustee does not accept transfers into the Scheme from other pension arrangements for Schedules 1, 2 or 3.

Transfers from other registered pension schemes may be accepted into the Airbus UK Retirement Plan.

What happens if I leave employment?

DB You will become a deferred member, which will be calculated based on your pensionable pay and service up to the date you leave. The deferred pension will be increased between your date of leaving and your retirement date. Any fund value with L&G will remain invested until you retire. The Pension administrator will contact you automatically to inform you of your benefits and options about two months after you leave the Scheme.
DC If you leave the Plan after one month then your Retirement Fund will remain invested until you retire or transfer your Fund to another registered pension scheme.

What is the Pension Consultative Committee?

The Pension Consultative Committee (PCC) is a body of representatives who are selected by members of the Airbus Pension Scheme to provide a fair representation for all members of the Scheme.

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Privacy Policy and Investment Statement

The Trustees of the Airbus UK Pension Scheme is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in line with the UK GDPR (EU) 2016/679 of the Europeean Parliament.

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Contact Airbus Pension team

They cannot give financial advice but can help you understand your retirement options and answer other questions you may have on the schemes you are a member of.

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Communication to me may include Airbus latest news, events information and Airbus content deemed of interest to me. 
The information collected from this form will be sent to the relevant Airbus team to manage and reply to your request. Find out more about the processing of your data and your rights in the UK Pensions Privacy Policy