More than a decade ago, during the last big industry crisis, Airbus management thought it had found the solution to turn the manufacturer into a more efficient enterprise: outsourcing.

In 2009, it carved out Premium Aerotec and Aerolia, which, at the time, consisted of aerostructures factories in Augsburg, Nordenham and Varel, Germany, as well as in Meaulte and Saint-Nazaire, France. The two units were put up for sale.

Access exclusive subscriber-only coverage after numerous unsuccessful attempts to sell the two companies and amid another big crisis, Airbus has finally and formally turned its approach to aerostructures on its head.

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