**Toulouse**: European aerospace giant Airbus is enhancing cooperation with Türkiye’s defence and aviation sectors following a summit focused on sustainable technologies and military production. Airbus aims to deepen partnerships and boost sustainable aviation fuel usage, responding to the EU’s defence capacity plans.
European aerospace leader Airbus is actively seeking to enhance its collaboration with Türkiye’s defense and aviation sectors, as reported by The Daily Milliyet. This initiative stems from a summit held in Toulouse from March 24 to 25, where Airbus highlighted its latest advancements in sustainable aviation technologies.
During the summit, Airbus showcased a variety of innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative fuels. CEO Guillaume Faury underscored the company’s strategy, stating, “We have four levers to reduce carbon emissions. The first of these is to replace old aircraft with new generation aircraft that burn less fuel, the second is to make next generation aircraft more fuel-efficient, the third is to optimize air traffic management and finally, to develop fuels that cause less carbon emissions such as SAF and hydrogen in aircraft. Our new aircraft will be able to fly with 100 percent SAF, and this will be a turning point for sustainable aviation.”
Discussions during the summit also covered the potential for commercial aircraft decarbonization measures to be applied to military products, although it was acknowledged that environmental considerations are not the primary focus in the defence sector. A key topic was the European Union’s ambitious €800 billion defence capacity plan, where Airbus is positioned to play a significant role. This comprehensive military portfolio will include transport aircraft, refuelling capabilities, intelligence aircraft, fighter jets, military helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air defence systems.
Airbus’s relationship with Türkiye dates back nearly four decades, commencing with Turkish Airlines’ operational use of Airbus A310 aircraft in 1985, and followed by the Turkish Air Force’s acquisition of the CN235 in 1991. Currently, Airbus partners with 41 suppliers in Türkiye who produce components valued at $600 million annually. Looking forward, there is a clear intention to deepen cooperation with Turkish defense and aerospace sectors, with Airbus officials confirming, “In the new period, we want the Turkish defense and aerospace sector to cooperate more and produce more parts for Airbus.”
In addition to strengthening military production, Airbus remains committed to initiatives aimed at reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. The company is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which currently accounts for only 2 percent of aviation fuel consumption due to its higher cost, estimated at three to four times that of conventional jet fuel. Airbus aims to increase this usage to 10 percent by 2030. Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability and communications officer at Airbus, noted Türkiye’s potential, stating that “Türkiye can play a leading role in the sustainable fuel industry,” and expressed optimism that next-generation aircraft could eventually operate fully on SAF.
The summit also explored advanced technologies, such as hydrogen fuel as an alternative to petroleum, alongside innovations in propulsion systems, foldable wings, open fan engines, and materials designed to enhance fuel efficiency in future aircraft designs.
In parallel developments, Airbus has fortified its collaboration with India, recognising the nation’s burgeoning aerospace capabilities. This partnership includes a final assembly line for C295 military transport aircraft in Gujarat— marking the first instance of a private sector company manufacturing a complete military aircraft in India. Additionally, Airbus is involved with Indian educational institutions to foster aerospace expertise within the workforce.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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