Airbus has responded to the tragic Air India plane crash by calling it a moment of reflection for the entire aviation industry. The accident, which involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and killed more than 240 people, has deeply shocked the world. Airbus made it clear that safety must remain the top priority, and this tragedy should not be seen as a competitive opportunity between aircraft manufacturers.
Christian Scherer, head of Airbus’s commercial aircraft division, said during a press meeting in Paris, “We do not see this tragedy as a way to gain any kind of advantage. Every accident reminds us that even one crash is one too many. Aviation has become very safe, but we must stay alert and committed to improving safety even more.”
The crash, which occurred in a densely populated area of India, is the deadliest civil aviation disaster in over a decade. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, this incident marks the first time Boeing has lost a 787 model—one of its most widely used planes. Airbus competes in the same market with its A350 and A330neo aircraft.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury also spoke at the event, which took place just before the Paris Air Show. He shared that despite global challenges, Airbus still plans to deliver 820 aircraft this year. However, he admitted that increasing production remains difficult due to supply chain issues and overall market uncertainty.
Scherer added that missing parts have decreased, and the company is seeing improvements in its supply network. Airbus remains focused on meeting its delivery goals and maintaining high safety standards.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg has cancelled his appearance at the Paris Air Show to handle the company’s response to the Air India crash. The tragedy has put extra pressure on Boeing, especially as it faces growing public concerns about air safety.
Thomas Toepfer, Airbus’s Chief Financial Officer, said that because of the unpredictable market, the company is not planning to use stock buybacks for now. Instead, Airbus will stay focused on building aircraft and supporting customers.
This heartbreaking incident is a powerful reminder to everyone in the aviation industry that safety must always come first. As companies like Airbus and Boeing move forward, the world will be watching closely to see how they prioritize the lives of passengers above everything else.
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