Airbus chief warns of "significant" trade headwinds

Airbus SE Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury has warned staff of "significant damage" from global trade tensions, Reuters reported on Sunday.

In an internal letter seen by Reuters, and circulated last week, Faury said: "The beginning of 2026 is marked by an unprecedented number of crises and by unsettling geopolitical developments. We should proceed in a spirit of solidarity and self-reliance.

"The industrial landscape in which we operate is sown with difficulties, exacerbated by the confrontation between the US and China."

Reuters said Faury did not identify geopolitical developments in the memo, although, in light of disputes between the US and other nations over Greenland, the outlet noted that Airbus is a major European defence supplier.

Trade pressures had already "caused significant collateral damage, logistically and financially", the letter added.

However, Faury congratulated Airbus employees for "good results" overall in 2025. Airbus will publish its results on February 19.