Airbus was brought back to earth with a bump late last week as a stand-off between French and German shareholders of parent company EADS over who should succeed the division's chief executive Noel Forgeard threatened to overshadow the success of the A380's maiden flight.
The selection of the new Airbus chief executive could not be discussed at the 29 April EADS board meeting because the two sides have failed to resolve whether a French or German national will lead the company's Aeronautics division after it is restructured around – and possibly renamed – Eurocopter, say industry sources.
The helicopter manufacturer is the dominant force within the division, but is currently led by Frenchman Fabrice Bregier, while Aeronautics is headed by a German, currently EADS co-chief executive Rainer Hertrich after Dietrich Russell stepped down due to ill health. DaimlerChrysler would back frontrunner Bregier for the Airbus job as long as Aeronautics/Eurocopter is designated a German post, or allow the latter job to move into French hands if German candidate Gustav Humbert takes the Airbus role, say sources.
Power in the top management echelons of EADS is finely balanced, with the French heads of the Airbus and Space divisions, German-led Aeronautics and Defence and Security Systems, and Spanish-fronted Military Transport Aircraft reporting to French and German co-chief executives, respectively Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich. However, the latter pair will this year be replaced by Forgeard and defence division head Tom Enders. In addition to Eurocopter, the Aeronautics division incorporates turboprop manufacturer ATR, maintenance provider Sogerma, general aviation company Socata and modification centre Elbe Flugzeugwerke. EADS declines to comment.
Source: Flight International
