In response to the Airbus order coming from China, the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) strongly warned about rising technological competition in aircraft manufacturing.
BDLI chief executive Marie‑Christine von Hahn told “Politico” that from a German and European perspective China is currently a good customer in aircraft production. However, she cautioned that the country intends to become an increasingly significant competitor in the sector. She cited the rapid progress of China in electric mobility as evidence of its ability to catch up and even surpass existing leaders. According to von Hahn, the federal government must do more to preserve Germany’s advantage.
During his inaugural visit to Beijing on Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that China plans to order up to 120 aircraft from Airbus. The order, von Hahn said, demonstrates that Airbus and its supplier network represent an “industrial and economic jewel” that must be protected and strengthened. She urged Europe – and especially Germany – to safeguard and expand its technological edge in aircraft manufacturing, a goal that she says requires decisive political positioning.
Von Hahn called for the German government to explicitly commit to a technological leadership role in aviation within its announced air‑transport strategy. She highlighted that concrete measures, such as appropriate funding for Germany’s aviation research program, will be critical to realizing this objective.