Growth amid challenges: media coverage of ASD’s Facts & Figures

This week, major news outlets reported on the release of ASD’s Facts & Figures report, with the coverage noting the significant overall growth in turnover and employment, whilst highlighting some of the pressing challenges pointed out at the press conference held by Guillaume Faury, ASD President and CEO of Airbus; Micael Johansson, Vice-Chairman of the ASD Board and CEO of Saab; and ASD Secretary General, Jan Pie.

Reuters: "Aerospace firms urge more European collaboration ahead of Trump return"

In their analysis, journalists Tim Hepher and Andrew Gray highlighted the calls from the industry for European governments to support the defence and space sectors proactively, particularly in light of a potential second Trump administration in the United States. The article notes that Guillaume Faury and Micael Johansson highlighted the urgency of collaboration and consolidation to compete with dominant players in the US and other countries. 

Bloomberg: "Airbus CEO says year-end delivery goal is 'a tough journey'”

Siddharth Vikram Philip focused on remarks by ASD President and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury in the margins of the Facts & Figures press conference regarding supply chain bottlenecks, such as delays in engine and fuselage components, which are complicating Airbus’s efforts to meet its target of 770 aircraft deliveries for 2024. The article also notes that Faury spoke on the  importance of global cooperation, reflecting broader themes in ASD’s analysis of sector trends.

Politico Pro Morning Defense Newsletter: "Bold decisions needed for EU defense growth"

The Politico Pro Morning Defense Newsletter highlighted the need for bold political decisions to overcome fragmentation, and highlighted in particular the space sector as needing consolidation to counter competition from US and Chinese giants.

Euractiv: "Defence industry turnover rises 17%, seeks more orders and funding to sustain production"

Journalist Aurélie Pugnet reported on the 17% increase in turnover for the European defence industry in 2024, driven by heightened security needs stemming from the Ukraine war, and noted that industry was calling for long-term contracts to sustain growth. Guillaume Faury is quoted: “The hope for peace [in Ukraine] so far has been a strategy. Hope is not a strategy.” The article also raised the issue of fragmentation, as well as access to funding challenges, and quotes Micael Johansson: "Long-term commitment to big investment is not there yet”, more than two years after the war started.

Euronews: "Europe’s landmark new missile, warship projects get cautious industry thumbs-up"

Jack Schickler reported on the 17% rise in defence turnover over the past year but also highlighted ongoing challenges, including the impact of national governments purchasing of military equipment from the US.

 

Agence Europe: "European aviation industry is calling for simplification of standards and investment to improve competitiveness and sustainability"

Agence Europe (Europe Daily Bulletin No. 13527) emphasised the focus given by the ASD report to sustainability and competitiveness, as well as aviation industry calls for a simpler regulatory landscape and increased investment to align with the EU Green Deal while addressing challenges like high energy costs and raw material shortages. Klaus Schneider, Technical Director at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, is quoted reaffirming the aviation sector’s “uncompromising” support for the Green Deal. "However, he stressed the importance of competitiveness and innovation in achieving sustainability objectives. In his view, it’s a question of 'finding the right balance'". The article also commented on the 8% increase in employment, exceeding one million jobs, and the 10.1% rise in turnover to €290.4 billion in 2023. 

De Tijd: "Defensie-industrie: 'Leidraad moet 'Buy European' worden in plaats van in VS te blijven shoppen" [Defence industry: The guide should be 'buy European' instead of shopping in the US]

Journalist Lieve Dierckx outlined the industry’s overall growth in 2023 to a turnover of €290.4 billion, as well as the 8% employment rise. Like others, the article also notes challenges such as supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and energy costs, necessitating greater collaboration between European companies to maintain competitiveness against US and China.

EU News: "Europe increases defense spending, but relies on foreign countries"

Emanuele Bonini explored concerns about Europe’s dependence on non-European suppliers. Quoting ASD President and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury on the negative impact of under-investment and fragmented national strategies. Bonini’s article also highlights the need for a skilled workforce.

ScienceBusiness: Airbus CEO criticises ‘unmanageable’ EU regulations

Martin Greenacre’s article focussed on Guillaume Faury’s concerns about the regulatory environment in Europe, and the impact on investment and progress toward decarbonisation goals. The article frames this in relation to upcoming Clean Industrial Deal proposed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which aims to promote investment in infrastructure and industry, including energy-intensive industries.

Across the news outlets, the ASD Facts & Figures report prompted reflections on challenges facing the European aeropace and defence industry, such as supply chain issues, fragmentation, and regulatory hurdles that threaten long-term competitiveness; and explored issues around collaboration, strategic investments, and regulatory reforms.