DUBAI: Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the scale and complexity of modern aircraft manufacturing and called for greater cooperation among global governments at the 2026 World Government Summit (WGS).
In a session titled “How do we keep the world connected?” Hosted by CNN anchor and business editor Richard Quest, the Airbus CEO spoke about aviation’s critical role in maintaining global connectivity amid supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and rising demand for air travel.
Foley said Airbus planes are made up of about 3 million individual parts. “We need to make sure all products arrive on time and meet quality standards,” he said, explaining that even a single delay could halt production.
He added that these challenges have become particularly acute over the past five to six years as the industry has sought to recover from the pandemic amid an increasingly complex global business environment.
COVID-19 has forced many aerospace companies to drastically cut production for up to two years, leading to the loss of skilled workers in the supply chain.
Foley said rebuilding expertise took time, stressing that the industry remains highly reliant on the skills and experience of individuals.
“This industry needs stability, but a lot of things are changing,” he said.
Although 2023 and 2024 were particularly difficult, Foley noted that 2025 will be a turning point, with many long-standing issues beginning to be resolved.
Airbus is currently rapidly ramping up production through 2025 and 2026, putting new pressure on global supply chains. He said strong customer demand is “a good problem to have” even if it poses shipping challenges.
The discussion also addressed global trade tensions, particularly past tariff disputes between the United States and Europe. Foley welcomed both countries’ decision to exempt aircraft from punitive measures, saying it is a recognition of the deeply interconnected transatlantic aerospace ecosystem. He insisted that cooperation remains essential to avoid inflationary pressures and further delays.
Looking ahead, Mr. Foley spoke about future aircraft platforms, the growth of Europe’s defense sector, and emerging competitors, including China. He concluded that the best way to remain resilient is continued investment in technology and innovation. “Staying ahead is how we keep the world connected,” he said.
WGS 2026 will see the largest leadership participation in history, bringing together more than 60 heads of state and government and their representatives, more than 500 ministers and representatives from more than 150 governments. We have a select group of global thought leaders and experts, with over 6,250 participants.
The summit will feature more than 445 sessions with contributions from more than 450 global luminaries, including presidents, ministers, experts, thinkers, and decision-makers.
