Our pioneers: the people that made Airbus
Airbus founders, visionaries and innovators
In this section we look at some of the key people involved in launching the A300B, founding the Airbus GIE and their vision for a family of commercial aircraft.
You will learn how their diverse backgrounds, unique wealth of experience and domains of expertise were crucial to establishing the company's early successes.
Our pioneers
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Ludwig Bölkow
Explore the legacy of Ludwig Bölkow, a German aerospace leader who developed the Bo 105 and helped form MBB, a key partner in the…
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Roger Béteille
Learn about Roger Béteille, the "Mister Airbus" behind the A300. Discover his impact on the Airbus fuselage and his legacy as a…
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Felix Kracht
Discover the life of Felix Kracht, the aviation expert who set up Airbus’ unique industrial organization and managed production…
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Arnold Hall
Sir Arnold Hall, the engineer who led the Comet investigation and secured the UK’s role in Airbus by keeping Hawker Siddeley in…
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Franz Josef Strauss
Franz Josef Strauss, a German politician and Airbus co-founder who championed European industrial cooperation and served as Board…
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Bernard Lathiere
Discover the legacy of Bernard Lathière, the Airbus Managing Director who launched the A320 and secured the pivotal Eastern Air…
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Jean Pierson
Explore the legacy of Jean Pierson, the Airbus Managing Director who launched the A380 project and grew the company's global…
Our history: pioneering European aerospace
With a 50-year track record of innovation, technological firsts and industry milestones, Airbus has lived up to its official motto, “We Make It Fly”.
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Our history
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Our story: the evolution of Airbus
How did Airbus become an industry leader? The Airbus Evolution is a story of cooperation, integration, and innovation. Read more.
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Our origins: the roots of Airbus
Innovation and fierce competition drove European Aviation Pioneers for over a century. Learn how their history led to Airbus's…
From the archives
In the spotlight
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A daring vision takes flight: 25 years of Airbus as an integrated company
Web Story
Company
A daring vision takes flight: On 10 July 2000, the European aerospace and defence landscape was radically reshaped. -
Airbus and Korean Air celebrate 50 years of partnership
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
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Airbus finalises acquisition of Aerovel and its UAS Flexrotor
Press Release
Helicopters
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#EurofighterNextGen - Taking the Eurofighter to the next level
Web Story
Defence
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The Transall Turns 60
Web Story
Company
