Amid the announcement that China intends to order up to 120 aircraft from Airbus, the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) strongly warned about growing 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 favourable customer in the aviation sector. “However, China also wants to become an increasingly strong competitor” she said. “The pace at which China is catching up and surpassing others in electric mobility shows what can happen in aviation”.
The association urged the federal government to do more to safeguard Germany’s technological lead. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced the Chinese order during his inaugural visit to Beijing, noting that it highlighted “our industrial and economic jewel” in Airbus and its supply chain. Von Hahn added that this asset must be secured and strengthened.
She called on Europe-and especially Germany-to hold on to, and expand, its technological advantage in aircraft manufacturing. “Policy decisions are required to achieve this” she emphasized.
The BDLI chief demanded that the government take a clear stance in its forthcoming aviation strategy on Germany’s role as a technology leader. She pointed to decisive follow‑up measures, such as the budget for the German aviation research program, as essential to realise this objective.
