Airbus Group has provided its European Central Works Council with further details on the company’s planned integration as of 1 January 2017. As part of the integration measures and streamlining of the company’s organisational set-up, Airbus Group envisages a progressive reduction of its current workforce of around 136,000 by a maximum of 1,164 positions.

At the end of September 2016, Airbus Group announced a plan to merge the Group structure with the largest division, Airbus Commercial Aircraft, as of 1 January 2017. In this new set-up, the company will retain Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters as divisions.

The workforce reductions will mainly affect support and integrated functions as well as the CTO (Chief Technology Office) organisation. The merger will also conclude the company’s headquarters move from Paris and Munich to Toulouse, accompanied by the transfer of 325 positions. At the same time, Airbus Group is preparing the future by continuing to invest in developing core competences; around 230 positions will be created to secure critical skills needed for the company’s way ahead in the era of digital transformation.

Airbus Group targets mid-2017 for an agreement on appropriate social measures in line with regulations and company agreements. Voluntary departures, redeployments and early retirements are part of the measures to be discussed.