The Airbus story
Airbus began in 1970 as a consortium of French and German aerospace companies, later joined by Spain and the United Kingdom. Its first aircraft, the A300, was the world's first twin-engine wide-body airliner. The A320, launched in the 1980s with fly-by-wire controls, became one of the best-selling jet airliner families ever built.
What makes Airbus powerful
Airbus is Europe's industrial success story. It competes at the top of the commercial aircraft market and has delivered more airliners each year than any rival in recent years. Its range runs from the A220 and A320neo family to the A350. Airbus also makes helicopters and defence and space systems, giving it a role in European security.
Airbus today
Airbus SE is registered in Leiden, in the Netherlands, with its main operations in Toulouse. It is listed in Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid, and the French, German and Spanish governments hold stakes. Guillaume Faury has led the company since 2019. Airbus is working on more efficient aircraft and on sustainable aviation fuels.
What comes next for Airbus
Airbus's main task is to increase production to meet a large order backlog, which depends on supply chains for engines and parts. Its long-term work on cleaner aircraft will shape its next generation of planes.
Why Airbus ranks #27
Airbus ranks #86 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 74.16.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places Airbus at #27 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
Airbus was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
7 Industrials & Engineering brands are in the Europe 100. Airbus is #4 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Airbus in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Airbus ranks #27 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 74.16 out of 100. It also ranks #86 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was Airbus founded and who founded it?
Airbus was founded in 1970. Founder(s): European consortium (France, Germany, later Spain and the UK).
Who leads Airbus today?
Guillaume Faury, CEO. The brand is owned by Airbus SE.
Where is Airbus headquartered?
Airbus is based in Toulouse, France (registered in Leiden, Netherlands). Its country of origin is France.
What is Airbus's revenue?
€73.4bn revenues (FY2025, +6%), Airbus SE, according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Airbus?
The A320 family is among the best-selling jet airliner families ever built.
Key facts
| Brand | Airbus |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Airbus SE |
| Headquarters | Toulouse, France (registered in Leiden, Netherlands) |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder(s) | European consortium (France, Germany, later Spain and the UK) |
| Leadership | Guillaume Faury, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €73.4bn revenues (FY2025, +6%), Airbus SE Source |
| Sector | Industrials & Engineering |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | The A320 family is among the best-selling jet airliner families ever built. |
| Official website | airbus.com |
Airbus is ranked #27 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 74.16).