Airbus Appoints Lars Wagner as Commercial Aircraft CEO Amid Production Challenges

Leadership Transition at Airbus Commercial Aircraft: Lars Wagner Succeeds Christian Scherer Amid Production Challenges

Airbus SE has announced a significant leadership transition in its commercial aircraft division, with Lars Wagner appointed to succeed Christian Scherer as CEO effective January 1, 2026. Wagner, currently CEO of MTU Aero Engines, will join Airbus in November 2025 to facilitate a smooth transition. This change concludes Scherer’s four-decade tenure at Airbus, occurring as the company navigates persistent supply chain disruptions, production ramp-up challenges, and intensified competition in the global aerospace market.

The leadership shift signals Airbus’s strategic focus on leveraging Wagner’s production expertise to stabilize manufacturing operations and achieve ambitious delivery targets. With a backlog of thousands of aircraft and increasing pressure to scale output, Airbus’s decision reflects a pivot toward operational discipline and industrial efficiency.

Background of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Leadership

Airbus’s commercial aircraft division is the cornerstone of the European aerospace giant, contributing €50.6 billion in revenue in 2024. The division encompasses a broad product range, including the A320neo, A330neo, A350, and A220 families. As of the end of 2024, Airbus held an order backlog of 8,658 aircraft, underscoring the critical importance of leadership in this sector.

Christian Scherer took over as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft division in January 2024 after serving as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. His appointment came at a time when Airbus was grappling with post-pandemic supply chain constraints and ambitious production goals. Scherer’s leadership followed a career at Airbus that began in 1984 and included roles such as CEO of ATR and Head of Strategy and Future Programmes.

The decision to initiate a leadership transition was announced in November 2024. The Airbus board simultaneously proposed the renewal of Guillaume Faury as Group CEO, signaling continuity at the corporate level while introducing new leadership in the commercial aircraft segment. The move was widely interpreted as a response to the need for stronger industrial execution capabilities.

The Appointment of Lars Wagner

Lars Wagner, currently CEO of MTU Aero Engines, will assume the role of CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft on January 1, 2026. He is set to join Airbus in November 2025 to ensure a smooth handover from Christian Scherer. Wagner previously worked at Airbus between 2003 and 2015, holding various management roles in Bremen, Hamburg, and Toulouse.

At MTU, Wagner demonstrated strong leadership, especially in 2024, when the company achieved record revenue and earnings. MTU posted €7.5 billion in revenue and over €1 billion in adjusted EBIT. Wagner’s background in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, combined with an MBA, positions him well to address complex industrial challenges.

Industry experts view Wagner as a production-focused leader. His experience in engine manufacturing and OEM operations is seen as a strategic asset for Airbus, particularly as the company works to ramp up production of its A320neo and A350 programs. Aviation Week described Wagner as someone with “hands-on manufacturing expertise”, a quality Airbus urgently needs.

“Airbus doesn’t need anymore somebody whose background and real skills are in sales… It really needs a production guy who thinks about problems from the inside out.”, Sash Tusa, Aviation Week Network

Christian Scherer’s Legacy

Christian Scherer’s departure marks the end of a 41-year career at Airbus. He began in 1984 and rose through the ranks to hold several key leadership positions. Among his notable achievements was the launch of the A320neo program, which has become one of the most successful commercial aircraft families in history.

As CEO of the Commercial Aircraft division, Scherer oversaw the delivery of 766 aircraft in 2024. This figure, while an improvement over 2023’s 735, fell short of the company’s target of 800. His tenure also saw the first deliveries of the A321XLR and A350-900 to key customers like Iberia and Emirates.

Scherer’s leadership was marked by resilience amid supply chain challenges. Despite setbacks, he maintained Airbus’s market momentum and played a crucial role in stabilizing the company post-pandemic. His endorsement of Wagner as his successor underscores the trust Airbus places in its incoming leadership.

Operational Challenges at Airbus

Airbus continues to face significant operational hurdles, particularly in its supply chain. In 2024, the company delivered 766 aircraft, missing its 800-unit target. Shortages in cabin equipment, engines, and aerostructures have been cited as key bottlenecks. The A320neo program, for example, has struggled to increase production beyond 50 aircraft per month, far below the 75-per-month goal initially set for 2026.

The company’s widebody programs have also encountered delays. The A220 program delivered only 75 aircraft in 2024 against a target of 98, while the A350 saw a decline from 64 deliveries in 2023 to 57 in 2024. Airbus has responded by planning the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Airbus-related facilities to stabilize its supply chain.

Despite these challenges, Airbus reported €50.6 billion in revenue for its commercial aircraft division in 2024. However, adjusted EBIT fell to €5.1 billion due to inefficiencies and increased investment in supply chain stabilization. Free cash flow before customer financing remained strong at €4.5 billion, providing financial flexibility for future initiatives.

Industry Reactions and Strategic Implications

Wagner’s appointment has been met with cautious optimism across the aerospace industry. Analysts agree that Airbus’s immediate priority is resolving internal production issues rather than competing with Boeing, which has faced its own set of challenges. With a backlog of over 8,600 aircraft, Airbus has significant market share but must improve its execution to maintain its lead.

The leadership change is also seen as timely, given Airbus’s development of next-generation aircraft. Wagner’s experience in engine manufacturing is expected to be valuable as Airbus explores new propulsion technologies and airframe designs. His background could also benefit Airbus’s defense initiatives, such as the A400M program.

Airlines and lessors are watching the transition closely. Delays in aircraft deliveries affect fleet planning and financial performance. Wagner’s success in stabilizing production will have ripple effects across the global aviation ecosystem, influencing everything from airline schedules to supplier contracts.

Conclusion

The transition from Christian Scherer to Lars Wagner marks a pivotal moment for Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Wagner’s engineering background and proven leadership at MTU Aero Engines align with Airbus’s current needs. His appointment reflects a broader strategic shift toward operational excellence and production stability.

As Airbus continues to navigate supply chain disruptions and ramp-up challenges, Wagner’s leadership could prove instrumental in achieving long-term growth. The coming years will test his ability to translate expertise into execution, ensuring Airbus remains a global leader in commercial aviation.

FAQ

Who is Lars Wagner?
Lars Wagner is the current CEO of MTU Aero Engines and will become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft on January 1, 2026.

Why is Christian Scherer stepping down?
Christian Scherer is retiring after a 41-year career at Airbus, including a brief tenure as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft division.

What challenges is Airbus facing?
Airbus is dealing with supply chain disruptions, production delays, and difficulty scaling up output to meet high demand.

Sources:
Airbus,
Aviation Week,
FlightGlobal,
Reuters,
Bloomberg