Airbus faces Spanish strikes amid 5.4 billion euro tanker deal

Airbus is currently navigating a combination of operational risks and significant new commercial orders. An indefinite strike by employees at Airbus locations in Spain threatens the production of several key military programs, including the A400M military transporter, the C295 light transport aircraft, the A330 MRTT tanker, and Eurofighter-related work. The labor dispute follows the rejection of a management wage offer, with workers also seeking to maintain two remote work days per week. Mediation talks are scheduled for August 27.

In contrast to these production risks, the company has secured substantial new business. The Spanish Council of Ministers approved 5.4 billion euros for a joint procurement with Poland to acquire seven A330 MRTT tanker aircraft under a seven-year contract funded via the EU SAFE instrument. Under this agreement, Poland will receive at least four aircraft by 2030, while Spain will receive three. Airbus has also secured new orders from Saudi Arabia. Despite the strike, Airbus shares rose by 1.2 percent to 206.85 euros.