Jean-Brice Dumont, 45, currently head of engineering at Airbus Helicopters, has been appointed head of engineering at Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The move follows the decision by Charles Champion, 61, to retire by the end of this year.

Dumont will join the aircraft division on September 1st, and take over from Champion in December 2017 following a transition phase.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Charles Champion for his outstanding contribution to Airbus throughout his career,” said Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive.

“Since he joined Aérospatiale in 1980, he has been engaged in almost every aspect of the business from manufacturing to programmes, sales to customer services and, in the latter years, engineering.

“Airbus owes much to his experience, commitment and energy.

“I wish him all the best for his personal future.”

Dumont will be succeeded at Airbus Helicopters by Alain Flourens, 59, currently head of the A380 programme within Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Flourens will join Helicopters as of July and take over from Dumont as of September 1st.

“After ten years of heading the A380 Programme, Alain Flourens has been instrumental in putting the A380 programme on a stable trajectory – with breakeven now achieved over the last two consecutive years,” said Fabrice Brégier, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

“I wish to thank him on behalf of everyone at Airbus for this.”