Industry 4.0 A

Building the future of aviation

Changing market needs, technology advances and customer expectations are radically transforming the way today's aircraft are designed and manufactured. To build aircraft at ramp-up pace that meet the highest standards, Airbus’ industrial ecosystem must be future-focused, intelligent and digital.

Welcome to Industry 4.0, a fully connected and intelligent industrial system that is revolutionising every aspect of the aerospace lifecycle. This digital transformation is key to boosting flexibility, improving quality, and delivering the future of flight, sustainably and efficiently.

What does Industry 4.0 mean for aerospace?

Industry 4.0, often called the fourth industrial revolution, represents the full-scale digitalisation of manufacturing. For Airbus, it means creating a so-called ‘smart factory’ ecosystem, where connected machines, robotics and artificial intelligence work in harmony with shopfloor operators.

By harnessing the power of data, we are creating a digital thread that runs from initial aircraft design and supply chain management through to production and in-service support. This approach allows us to be more agile, predictive, and efficient.

The benefits of a smart industrial ecosystem

Enhanced quality

Continuous data monitoring and AI-driven analytics allow us to detect potential issues instantly, leading to unparalleled levels of quality and safety.

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Artificial Intelligence

Increased efficiency

Automation and optimised workflows reduce production time and costs, allowing us to meet strong demand.

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A320 4th Line Station 41 Robot Building 214

A fully digital environment

The benefits of a 'digital-first' approach for the design, manufacture, and operations of Airbus’ products are numerous, from eliminating bottleneck to data sharing with the supply chain.

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Airbus 3D digital model based on drone pic2

Industry 4.0 in action: The A321 Final Assembly Line in Toulouse

Inaugurated in 2024, this state-of-the-art, new generation and digitally-enabled A321 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse is a window into the future of aircraft assembly.

The facility in Toulouse provides Airbus with increased production flexibility, leverages new levels of efficiency and offers an improved industrial flow with a strong focus on quality, employee ergonomics & safety.

The new line is located in the former A380 Lagardère facility in Toulouse, making perfect use of the 50 hectare facility - whose production halls are the size of 500 tennis courts. Operators have constant access to data via mobile devices, in a paperless environment. Other innovations include automated drilling and logistics.

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