Matthieu Louvot Appointed Airbus Helicopters CEO

Why It Matters

Louvot’s appointment ensures strategic continuity while positioning Airbus Helicopters to accelerate product innovation and capture emerging market opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Matthieu Louvot becomes CEO on April 1, 2026.
• Succeeds Bruno Even after eight years of leadership.
• Louvot previously EVP Strategy, extensive helicopter industry experience.
• Will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, join Executive Committee.
• Transition aims to sustain profitable growth trajectory.

Pulse Analysis

Airbus Helicopters, the world’s largest civil and military rotorcraft manufacturer, announced on Jan 13, 2026 that Matthieu Louvot will assume the chief executive role on April 1, 2026. The appointment follows Bruno Even’s eight‑year tenure, during which the division broadened its product line, modernised its production system and set a clear path toward sustainable profitability. By installing Louvot, Airbus signals continuity in its strategic roadmap while also injecting fresh leadership at a time when demand for advanced helicopters—especially in urban air mobility and defense—continues to accelerate. The timing aligns with Airbus’s FY2026 budget, which earmarks additional capital for rotorcraft R&D.

Louvot arrives from his current post as Executive Vice‑President Strategy, where he helped shape Airbus’s long‑term vision across commercial, defence and space segments. His earlier stint at Airbus Helicopters since 2010—spanning customer support, services and programme management—gives him intimate knowledge of the division’s operational challenges and growth levers. Analysts expect he will prioritize the rollout of the H160 and the next‑generation H225 platforms, while accelerating digital‑first maintenance solutions and expanding aftermarket services. Such moves could tighten margins, boost order books and reinforce Airbus’s position against rivals like Bell and Leonardo.

The leadership change also arrives as the rotorcraft market confronts tighter regulatory scrutiny on emissions and noise, prompting manufacturers to invest in hybrid‑electric prototypes. Louvot’s engineering pedigree from École Polytechnique and policy experience at the French Presidency position him to navigate both technical innovation and governmental partnerships. If successful, Airbus Helicopters could capture a larger share of emerging urban air‑mobility contracts and sustain its defense backlog, reinforcing the broader Airbus Group’s revenue diversification.

Matthieu Louvot appointed Airbus Helicopters CEO

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 13 January 2026

Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has appointed Matthieu Louvot Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Helicopters, effective 1 April 2026. He will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and be part of the Company’s Executive Committee.

Matthieu Louvot, currently Executive Vice‑President Strategy for Airbus, will succeed Bruno Even, who has decided to leave the Company to pursue his next personal and professional objectives.

“I am deeply grateful for Bruno’s leadership at the helm of Airbus Helicopters over the past eight years. Under his tenure, the Division expanded its product portfolio, transformed its industrial system and has been placed on a sustainable and profitable growth trajectory. I respect Bruno’s decision to step down and explore new avenues for the next phase of his career,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

“Our teams at Helicopters will benefit from the leadership of Matthieu, whose extensive experience in the helicopter industry and broad knowledge of the Division’s operational and strategic priorities will enable a smooth transition. I wish him every success in the role and look forward to seeing Airbus Helicopters reach new heights under his lead.”

A graduate of the École Polytechnique and École Nationale d’Administration, Matthieu Louvot started his career in the French administration, including as advisor for industry at the French Presidency. He joined Airbus Helicopters in 2010 where he held a number of management positions including Executive Vice President Customer Support & Services and Executive Vice President Programmes.

Matthieu’s replacement in the Airbus EVP Strategy role will be announced at a later date.