Earth observation

Earth observation

Satellites and Services

cedar-airbus-sentinel

The earth viewed from above

Over the past 50 years, remote sensing via satellites has yielded both spectacular views of our planet and unprecedented scientific insights.
Today, Earth observation satellites are at the forefront of monitoring climate change, deforestation, rising sea levels, and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. They’re also vital for homeland security, coastal surveillance and disaster management.

At Airbus, we not only build many of these satellites but also transform geospatial data into actionable insights to help our partners make the best decisions.

Airbus’ comprehensive portfolio means we are able to provide the right satellite and system for our customers – whether they need a weather-independent data source, a small constellation for high-frequency revisits, very high-resolution imagery or even all of these (and more).

Our global expertise

EarthCare surpasses electromagnetic tests

Almost 40 years of successful Earth observation

Since 1986, Airbus Defence and Space has successfully built and delivered 70+ Earth observation satellite systems, accumulating close to 600 years of in-orbit experience.

Around 30 new satellites as well as numerous payloads are currently in development in our facilities around the globe for customers.

The latest earth observation news

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Energy transition

Energy transition

Introducing lower-emission propulsion technology to aerospace

New-energy-ecosystem

Pursuing lower-emission aviation

ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES

Airbus has developed a structured and modular energy transformation roadmap applicable to all of its aerospace solutions. The roadmap includes a range of technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen – either directly burnt or transformed into electricity through fuel cells – and new hybrid-electric propulsion systems. We are exploring these technical solutions in parallel and continuously refining their potential to meet our decarbonisation ambition.

Energy transition at Airbus

The latest in energy transition

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Aircraft operations

Aircraft operations

Pioneering safer, more efficient and interoperable flight

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Technology for safe and efficient operations

To facilitate the work of aircraft operators and air traffic management, Airbus is developing new, more efficient operational technologies. This includes solutions to optimise flight trajectories and digital air traffic management solutions that can safely and efficiently integrate unmanned traffic and more autonomous flights.

As part of the quest to pioneer sustainable aerospace, Airbus is also investigating how improving aircraft operations can reduce noise pollution and both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions such as NOx, contrails and aerosols.

Aircraft operations at Airbus

The latest in aircraft operations

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Future aircraft

Future aircraft

Unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s materials and technologies

ZEROe fully electric hydrogen-powered four pod aircraft

Designing the next generation of aircraft

SHAPING THE FUTURE

At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of low-emission aircraft to seamlessly combine cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility.

Every aspect of a future aircraft’s architecture is being carefully considered to optimise aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency. From innovative positioning of engines and even foldable wingtips, to SAF-ready open fan rotors and hydrogen fuel cells, each design choice will contribute to maximising efficiency in flight and reducing emissions.

Throughout the design process, we are evaluating the circularity of materials and technology, ensuring that every component is optimised for longevity and efficiency over an aircraft’s entire lifecycle. Lightweight, durable materials that are sourced responsibly will feature heavily in future aircraft, including advanced composites, bio-fibres, and bio-sourced resins.

Equally important is the need for efficient and scalable production of the aircraft. We are enabling this through advancements in digitalisation, connectivity and autonomy, ensuring that the aircraft of tomorrow is both efficient to produce and affordable to fly.

Design factors

Our flight demonstrators

The latest in future aircraft

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Digital transformation

Digital transformation

A digital-first approach to designing and operating aerospace products

Header image for Digital Trasnformation

Developing a digital ecosystem

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Airbus is leveraging advanced digital technologies to revolutionise how we design, produce and operate our products. We are adapting our production facilities and industrial ecosystem to embrace digital methods and are accelerating the integration of smart manufacturing, known as Industry 4.0, into our operations.

Our company-wide programme DDMS (Digital Design Manufacturing and Services) sets new industry standards for interconnecting platforms and increasing data exchange, resulting in improved and more efficient collaboration. In tandem, we are exploring how artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced analytics and connectivity can solve design, manufacturing and operation challenges.

This digital revolution is taking place at every level of operations within Airbus, driving innovation and excellence throughout our ecosystem. It encourages teams to embrace digital tools, streamline processes, enhance efficiency and revolutionise production methods. It plays a key role in supporting our purpose of pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.

Digital transformation at Airbus

The latest in digital transformation

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Innovation ecosystem

Innovation ecosystem

Leveraging collective intelligence to deliver results

The Future Of Digital At Airbus

Nurturing an innovation ecosystem

Innovation happens when great ideas, people and challenges intersect. A robust innovation ecosystem thrives at Airbus, fuelled by collaboration and a desire to transform new ideas into aerospace industry breakthroughs. This ecosystem is responsible for some of our most innovative technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering and beyond.

Innovation ecosystem at Airbus

The latest in innovation ecosystem

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Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world

Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world

Discover what we achieve on a global scale

Our missions

Launch your career at Airbus

Join us

Are you an innovation builder? Come and help us shape a new path in the design, manufacture and delivery of aerospace solutions worldwide.

Find out more

Our latest news and events

In the spotlight

Guillaume Faury

Airbus First Quarter (Q1) 2025 financial results

At a glance

Our Q1 results demonstrate the progress we are making on our priorities across the business. We are ramping up production in line with our plan but the delivery profile will be backloaded, reflecting the specific supply chain challenges we are facing this year. We maintain the guidance that excludes tariffs which are adding complexity and remain uncertain in terms of implementation, scope and duration. We are closely monitoring and assessing the situation, but it is too early to quantify the impact today. When it comes to our defence activities, we support the recent approach to strengthen the European defence industry and we stand ready with our broad portfolio of products and solutions to respond to our customers’ requirements.

Guillaume Faury
Airbus CEO
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