Following the previously announced changes to the A380 and A400M delivery plans, Airbus has confirmed the formal adjustment of production rates for the programmes.

The new plan, which was presented to the European Works Council, involves the production of six A380s per year starting from 2020 and eight A400Ms per year, also as of 2020.

Airbus is now entering into a formal social process with staff representatives at European and national levels to analyse potential implications for the company’s workforce and to start joint mitigation efforts.

At this stage, Airbus estimates the maximum impact of these measures will affect up to 3,700 positions at sites across the Company’s home countries of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.

“Airbus is committed to managing any implications for its workforce in a responsible manner – as already successfully demonstrated on various occasions in the past,” the company said in a statement.

“The company is confident that it will be able to propose opportunities to most of the affected employees through programmes which are ramping up.

“Each year, Airbus manages 12 per cent mobility and can adapt the flexibility level across divisions, functions and subsidiaries to support redeployment of staff to other programmes’ activities.”

The adjustment of the A380 production rate follows a recent order which provides visibility to the programme for the years to come.

As previously announced, at a baseline of six deliveries per year, Airbus can produce the A380 in an industrial efficient way over the coming years.

This baseline allows Airbus to pursue further sales campaigns which may lead to higher production levels.

On the A400M programme, production will be adjusted to eight units per year as of 2020, following production of fifteen A400M in 2018 and eleven units in 2019.

“Airbus has to ensure the best possible production flow for its products,” the company added.

“These rate adjustment decisions provide clear visibility for customers, the supply chain and employees over the coming years.

“The company will provide further information on the progress of the discussions with the social partners, as required.”