Airbus to pause majority of production in its Spanish operation

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus will cease most of its production in Spain until April 9, at the earliest, it said today.

It was in response to new measures announced by the Spanish government on March 29, in the fight against COVID-19.

Airbus employs more than 6,000 staff at its wing-making plant in Broughton, near Chester, which is, itself, undergoing a pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Broughton will “adapt production activity for the next three weeks” by taking an extended Easter holiday.

The latest measures in Spain are taking effect between Monday, March 30, and Thursday, April 9, inclusive, and restrict all non-essential activities across the country.

Some key activities in the Airbus commercial aircraft, helicopters and defence and space sectors 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.

All other activities in commercial aircraft, defence and space, as well as helicopters in Spain, will be paused until April 9, the date when it is foreseen that restrictions will be lifted.

Airbus said it will closely work with its social partners to apply the social measures applicable under the latest restrictions.

Its 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.

As a leading company, Airbus said it needs to retain its ability to support the global crisis efforts, support customers, suppliers and continue to bring its essential contribution to society.