Industry Airbus pauses production in Spain for nine days

After the latest measures from the Spanish Government, Airbus has taken the decision to temporarily halt the production line and all associated facilities in Spain. These measures will be in effect between this week´s Monday until Thursday 9 in April.

All activities in Commercial Aircraft, Defence and Space as well as Helicopters in Spain will be paused until the date when it is foreseen, that restrictions will be lifted. Due to the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-10 virus in the country, Spain has decided to tighten the restrictions.

Airbus has also released, that some key activities in Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters and Defence and Space remain essential. "Minimum activity in these areas for necessary support functions such as Security, IT, Engineering, will remain under the stringent health and safety measures implemented by Airbus to protect its employees against the COVID-19 pandemic," Airbus stated.

The manufacturer said that the activity has been reduced to a safe minimum and that jobs where office work is not directly required are being dome from home.

This latest announcement comes less than a month after the manufacturer released a first worker had tested positive for COVID-19. Afterward, Airbus closed both facilities in Getafe and Toulouse but re-opened the complexes a week later.

Airbus confirmed: "Airbus will closely work with its social partners to apply the social measures applicable under the latest restrictions. Airbus employees in Spain whose jobs are not linked to production and assembly activities and can work from home will continue to support Airbus business continuity in these difficult times."

In Spain, Airbus operations is employing approximately 3,400 employees. The manufacturer produces the horizontal stabilisers for the entire range of Airbus commercial aircraft. Airbus has facilities in Getafe, Illescasa and Puerto Real. In Getafe and Albacete, Airbus Helicopters is employing more than 500 people and the final assembly of Tiger attack helicopter and the NH90 aircraft are being performed in Spain. Across five sites in the country, Airbus is pursuing defence and space activities with a workforce of nearly 7,700 people.

Around the world, Airbus employs around 135,000 people and generated revenues of €70 billion last year. The company is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services.