Airbus has announced the appointment of Jurgen Westermeier as the new President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, marking a significant leadership change aimed at strengthening the company’s presence and partnerships across one of its key growth markets.
In his new role, Westermeier will be responsible for driving Airbus’s strategic vision in the region, overseeing its commercial aircraft, defense, space, and helicopter businesses. He will also spearhead local industrial partnerships, customer engagement, and cross-sector collaborations, aligning Airbus’s long-term objectives with India’s expanding aerospace and defence ambitions.
Jurgen Westermeier brings with him a wealth of international experience within the Airbus Group. Having held various senior roles in procurement, supplier management, and operational strategy, he has played an integral part in Airbus’s global supply chain transformation and industrial footprint expansion. His deep understanding of the aerospace ecosystem and strong track record in fostering international partnerships position him well to lead Airbus’s growth agenda in South Asia.
India continues to be a high-priority market for Airbus, with significant investments in manufacturing, engineering, innovation, and skill development. The company’s partnerships with Indian aerospace firms, training institutions, and government stakeholders form the backbone of its localisation and ‘Make in India’ efforts. Westermeier’s appointment is expected to further accelerate these initiatives and deepen Airbus’s integration into the Indian aerospace and defence landscape.
He succeeds Rémi Maillard, who previously led Airbus India and played a key role in advancing the company’s business footprint and industrial collaboration in the region.
Westermeier’s leadership comes at a crucial time when Airbus is scaling up its operations in India through the assembly of C295 military transport aircraft, expansion of the civil aviation fleet, and support for indigenous aerospace capability-building. His appointment signals Airbus’s continued commitment to the region’s strategic importance in the global aerospace map.
