Earth observation
Earth observation
Satellites and Services
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
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus-built CO3D constellation successfully launched to map our planet in 3D
Press Release
Space
The dual-use CO3D satellites will deliver high-resolution Digital Surface Model, providing 50 cm stereo imagery to CNES, and 2D imagery to customers -
Glaciers in danger: satellites underscore extent of climate emergency
Web Story
Space
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Airbus awarded Hisdesat contract to build PAZ-2 satellites reinforcing Spain's…
Press Release
Space
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New generation Airbus-built optical constellation CO3D satellites en route for launch
Press Release
Space
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Improving the world we live in with AI-powered products
Web Story
Innovation
Discover more about Space at Airbus
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Telecommunications and Navigation satellites
Airbus is a global leader in communications and navigation satellites, delivering high-performance products and solutions to…
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Space exploration
Airbus is at the heart of space exploration, designing and delivering innovative spacecraft, robots, scientific experiments…
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Space ground systems
We provide advanced ground infrastructure solutions for any mission, including the DRS, end user terminals, network management &…
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Space equipment
Airbus offers innovative and cutting-edge standard and custom spacecraft solutions, hardware, systems and services for all types…
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Space customer support
With a tailored satellite or connectivity system, each customer has access to a wide range of services, from in-orbit delivery to…
Energy transition
Energy transition
Introducing lower-emission propulsion technology to aerospace
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus and MTU Aero Engines advance on hydrogen fuel cell technology for aviation
Press Release
Innovation
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to progress together on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. -
Improving the world we live in with AI-powered products
Web Story
Innovation
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Airbus launches study on non-CO2 aircraft emissions with Canadian aerospace partners
Press Release
Innovation
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Airbus showcases hydrogen aircraft technologies during its 2025 Airbus Summit
Press Release
Innovation
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Airbus accelerates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption with book and claim
Press Release
Innovation
More in innovation at Airbus
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Aircraft operations
Welcome to the future of aircraft operations – where innovation meets efficiency and sustainability.
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Digital transformation
Airbus’ digital transformation is about integrating advanced technologies and concepts throughout the product lifecycle, from…
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Innovation ecosystem
Airbus cultivates an innovation ecosystem where internal experts and external stakeholders come together to translate ideas into…
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Future aircraft
At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of future aircraft to have lower emissions by optimising aerodynamic performance…
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
Aircraft operations
Aircraft operations
Pioneering safer, more efficient and interoperable flight
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus and Critical Software explore strategic partnership in embedded software…
Press Release
Innovation
Airbus and Critical Software have signed a LoI to create a joint undertaking focused on the development of embedded software for aerospace applications. -
Airbus at Paris Air Lab 2025: Discover Tomorrow, Today
Web Story
Innovation
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Testing the open fan’s promise
Web Story
Innovation
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Soaring towards future aircraft
Web Story
Innovation
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Airbus advances key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraft
Press Release
Innovation
More in innovation at Airbus
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Energy transition
Discover Airbus’ energy transition roadmap with low-emission propulsion tech: sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, hybrid…
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Digital transformation
Airbus’ digital transformation is about integrating advanced technologies and concepts throughout the product lifecycle, from…
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Innovation ecosystem
Airbus cultivates an innovation ecosystem where internal experts and external stakeholders come together to translate ideas into…
-
Future aircraft
At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of future aircraft to have lower emissions by optimising aerodynamic performance…
-
Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
Future aircraft
Future aircraft
Unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s materials and technologies
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus and Critical Software explore strategic partnership in embedded software…
Press Release
Innovation
Airbus and Critical Software have signed a LoI to create a joint undertaking focused on the development of embedded software for aerospace applications. -
Airbus at Paris Air Lab 2025: Discover Tomorrow, Today
Web Story
Innovation
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Testing the open fan’s promise
Web Story
Innovation
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Soaring towards future aircraft
Web Story
Innovation
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Airbus advances key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraft
Press Release
Innovation
More in innovation at Airbus
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Energy transition
Discover Airbus’ energy transition roadmap with low-emission propulsion tech: sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, hybrid…
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Aircraft operations
Welcome to the future of aircraft operations – where innovation meets efficiency and sustainability.
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Digital transformation
Airbus’ digital transformation is about integrating advanced technologies and concepts throughout the product lifecycle, from…
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Innovation ecosystem
Airbus cultivates an innovation ecosystem where internal experts and external stakeholders come together to translate ideas into…
-
Airbus NOVA newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest on the disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
Digital transformation
Digital transformation
A digital-first approach to designing and operating aerospace products
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus and Critical Software explore strategic partnership in embedded software…
Press Release
Innovation
Airbus and Critical Software have signed a LoI to create a joint undertaking focused on the development of embedded software for aerospace applications. -
Digital Twins: Accelerating aerospace innovation from design to operations
Web Story
Innovation
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Improving the world we live in with AI-powered products
Web Story
Innovation
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Quantum Leaps: Winners of Airbus and BMW Group’s Quantum Computing Challenge Unveiled
Press Release
Innovation
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Airbus Foundation launches immersive AI experience for teens
Web Story
Airbus Foundation
More in innovation at Airbus
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Energy transition
Discover Airbus’ energy transition roadmap with low-emission propulsion tech: sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, hybrid…
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Aircraft operations
Welcome to the future of aircraft operations – where innovation meets efficiency and sustainability.
-
Innovation ecosystem
Airbus cultivates an innovation ecosystem where internal experts and external stakeholders come together to translate ideas into…
-
Future aircraft
At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of future aircraft to have lower emissions by optimising aerodynamic performance…
-
Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
Innovation ecosystem
Innovation ecosystem
Leveraging collective intelligence to deliver results
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
In the spotlight
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Airbus and partners demonstrate very high speed optical link between Earth and Space
Web Story
Space
CNES and Airbus prove that massive, rapid ground to space data transfer is possible with TELEO succesful tests -
Airbus and Toshiba to partner on superconductivity research
Press Release
Innovation
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Airbus and SESAR partners are taking wake energy retrieval to the next level
Web Story
Innovation
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Airbus Racer speeds past 400 km/h
Press Release
Helicopters
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Airbus takes superconductivity research for hydrogen-powered aircraft a step further
Press Release
Innovation
More in innovation at Airbus
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Energy transition
Discover Airbus’ energy transition roadmap with low-emission propulsion tech: sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, hybrid…
-
Aircraft operations
Welcome to the future of aircraft operations – where innovation meets efficiency and sustainability.
-
Digital transformation
Airbus’ digital transformation is about integrating advanced technologies and concepts throughout the product lifecycle, from…
-
Future aircraft
At Airbus, we are designing the next generation of future aircraft to have lower emissions by optimising aerodynamic performance…
-
Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world
Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world
Our purpose in action
Airbus stories
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Flying with lithium ion batteries in passenger luggage
Web Story
Safety
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Tracking air pollution from space
Web Story
Space
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Glaciers in danger: satellites underscore extent of climate emergency
Web Story
Space
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Waste not, want not: increasing titanium and aluminium circularity
Web Story
Innovation
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Powering production and protecting people with exoskeletons
Web Story
Innovation
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Airbus and MTU Aero Engines advance on hydrogen fuel cell technology for aviation
Press Release
Innovation
Discover what we achieve on a global scale
Our missions
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Connect
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Launch your career at Airbus
Join us
Airbus Faces
Our best ambassadors
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Meet Raphaël
Meet Raphaël, Leader and Designer UFT 3D Printing Pole in Marignane, France
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Meet Meghana
Meet Meghana, HR Business Partner in Bangalore, India
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Meet Phatcharaphon
Meet Phatcharaphon, Mechanical Aircraft Maintenance Technician in Japan
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Meet Natanael
From intern to aircraft mechanic, Natanael keeps helicopters mission-ready in Romania — proving precision and teamwork can save…
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Meet James
From aircraft engineering to coastal rescues, James leads with purpose at Airbus and HM Coastguard — two worlds, one mission:…
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Meet Anna
Meet Anna, Harness Assembler at Airbus in Warsaw, Poland
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Meet Aurelia
Meet Aurelia, aircraft painter at Airbus in Toulouse, France.
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Meet Jose Antonio
Meet Jose Antonio, A350 operator in Illescas, Spain
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Meet Anupama
Meet Anupama, Electrical System Installation Design Engineer at Airbus in Bangalore, India
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Meet Maddy
Meet Maddy, Aircraft Fitter at Airbus in Broughton, UK
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Meet Florian
Meet Florian, Services Financial Controller at Airbus in Washington DC, US
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Meet Esther Tan
Meet Esther Tan, Fleet Management Manager at Airbus in Singapore
Our latest news and events
In the spotlight
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What is a Full Flight Simulator?
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
Discover what a Full Flight simulator (FFS) is and how this technology is at the heart of aviation safety and pilot training. -
Airbus Flexrotor: Unmatched maritime capabilities
Web Story
Helicopters
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Eurodrone: Europe’s sovereign skies
Web Story
Defence
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The Airbus H145: Flexibility for a world in flux
Web Story
Helicopters
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Airbus NH90 for the Spanish Forces
Web Story
Helicopters
Airbus Half-Year (H1) 2025 financial results
At a glance
Our H1 financials reflect transformation progress in our Defence and Space division and the lower commercial aircraft deliveries compared to a year ago. We are producing aircraft in line with our plans but deliveries are backloaded as we face persistent engine supply issues on the A320 programme. The operating environment is complex and fast-changing. On tariffs, the recent political agreement between the EU and the US to revert to a zero-tariff approach for civil aircraft is a welcome development for our industry. Our 2025 guidance, which continues to exclude the impact of tariffs, remains unchanged.