Airbus Names Matthieu Louvot as New CEO of Helicopters Division

Airbus SE has formally announced the appointment of Matthieu Louvot as the next Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, a move that signals a transition towards integrated strategic growth for the world’s leading rotorcraft manufacturer. Louvot, who currently serves as the Executive Vice-President of Strategy for the broader Airbus group, will officially take the helm on 1 April 2026. He is set to succeed Bruno Even, who is stepping down after an eight-year tenure to pursue personal and professional interests outside the company. In his new capacity, Louvot will report directly to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and will join the Group’s Executive Committee.

​The transition comes at a time of robust financial performance for the division. Under the outgoing leadership of Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters significantly modernised its industrial footprint and expanded its product line, notably overseeing the entry into service of the five-bladed H145 and the H160. Recent financial disclosures for the nine-month period ending 30 September 2025 revealed a 16 per cent increase in revenue, reaching €5.7 billion (US$6.19 billion), with an order book that grew by 6 per cent year-on-year. This solid foundation provides a springboard for Louvot, whose background in both government administration and high-level corporate strategy is expected to drive the next phase of the division's evolution.

​According to official statements from Airbus and reports from industry observers, Louvot’s appointment is viewed as a strategic move to align the helicopter division more closely with the group’s overarching technological and operational goals. Having previously served as Executive Vice-President of Programmes and Executive Vice-President of Customer Support and Services within the helicopter branch, Louvot possesses an intimate understanding of the rotorcraft lifecycle. This internal expertise is considered vital as the company prepares for the service entry of the H140 in 2028 and continues to navigate the complexities of global supply chain stability.

​Strengthening Footprints in the Asia-Pacific Market

​A primary focus for Louvot’s upcoming tenure will be the acceleration of growth within the Asia-Pacific region, which remains a critical theatre for both civil and military rotorcraft demand. Current market forecasts suggest that the region will account for nearly 45 per cent of global aviation services demand by 2044. With a rising middle class and increasing requirements for emergency medical services (EMS) and parapublic missions in Southeast Asia and China, Airbus Helicopters aims to maintain its dominant 42 per cent market share in the region. The new leadership will likely prioritise the deployment of the H160 and the heavy-lift H175 to capture the growing offshore energy and private transport segments in these emerging markets.

​Strategic Continuity and Future Innovation

​Beyond commercial expansion, Louvot is expected to spearhead the division's commitment to decarbonisation and digital transformation. The company has already reached a milestone of using 20 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its internal test flights and is looking to scale this across its global fleet. As the former strategy chief for the entire Airbus group, Louvot is uniquely positioned to integrate cross-divisional innovations, such as autonomous flight systems and advanced materials, into the helicopter portfolio. This approach will be essential as the division faces increasing competition from both traditional rivals and new entrants in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector.

​Transitioning Leadership and Industry Impact

​The handover period throughout early 2026 will ensure that ongoing military programmes, such as the Tiger MkIII and the NH90 Block 1 upgrades, remain on schedule. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed confidence in the transition, noting that Louvot’s extensive experience and broad knowledge of operational priorities will enable a seamless change in command. While the successor for Louvot’s current strategy role has yet to be named, the aerospace industry views this appointment as a reinforcement of Airbus’s intent to maintain its leadership in the vertical lift market through a blend of seasoned operational management and forward-looking corporate strategy.