Airbus’ Quest for a Sovereign European Cloud
Airbus, the European aeronautics giant, is taking a significant step towards reducing its dependence on American tech giants Amazon, Google, and Microsoft for strategic data and applications. According to Catherine Jestin, Vice President for Digital Affairs at Airbus, the company is exploring the possibility of a “truly sovereign” European cloud, with an estimated 80% chance of finding an EU solution that meets its needs. This move is driven by the need to protect sensitive information from US regulations, particularly the Cloud Act.
Protecting Sensitive Information
The stakes are high, with crucial data and applications at play, including resource planning, production systems, customer relationships, and aircraft design. As Jestin emphasized, “We are talking about extremely sensitive information from a national and European point of view.” To address this, Airbus is seeking a cloud solution that guarantees full European control over the data, combining technological innovation and safety standards suited to the company’s industrial ambitions.
A European Solution
Airbus plans to launch a tender in early 2026, with a potential value of 50 million euros over 10 years. The solution under consideration would involve a combination of multiple EU suppliers, capable of providing a secure and innovative cloud infrastructure. This approach would enable Airbus to maintain control over its sensitive data, while also promoting European technological expertise and sovereignty.
Expert Insights
As a leading player in the aerospace industry, Airbus’ decision to pursue a sovereign European cloud is a significant development. With the rise of cloud computing, companies are increasingly reliant on third-party providers to manage their data and applications. However, this also raises concerns about data security, privacy, and compliance with regulations. By opting for a European cloud solution, Airbus is taking a proactive approach to addressing these concerns and ensuring the long-term protection of its sensitive information.
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