Mission and Governance
Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus, Chairman of Airbus Foundation
“For many years, the Airbus Foundation has supported internationally recognised humanitarian organisations through Airbus’ products and services, and inspired young people through the world of aerospace. These activities continue to be at the heart of our Foundation’s mission and I am very proud of the work that we do. We are able to undertake such a broad range of activities around the world thanks to the energetic support of our Airbus colleagues and pro-active partners. Indeed, these partnerships and collaborations underpin and strengthen the Airbus Foundation’s ability to achieve positive impact for thousands of beneficiaries around the world.”
Integrating all the Company's resources
Airbus Foundation drives the Company's worldwide philanthropic actions, devoting our resources to effective partnerships with volunteer associations and international aid organisations. From relief flights aboard Airbus test aircrafts, to satellite imagery and helicopter hours, the Foundation integrates the activities of all Airbus' Divisions, each uniquely suited to provide resources that can bloster our partners' endeavours.
We also aim to inspire and encourage youth development through contact with the aerospace industry. Through our various programmes and thanks to the engagement of our passionate and highly motivated employees, we invest in the future of communities we support; sharing with young people our passion for science in general and aeronautics in particular.
The Airbus Foundation’s work is made possible through its partnerships. We’re collaborating with a growing number of internationally recognised organisations. Click below to learn more about the work they do.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network that reaches 150 million people in 189 National Societies through the work of over 17 million volunteers. Together, they act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.
Read more about International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The Crisis and Support Centre
The French Crisis and Support Centre (CDCS), established in 2008 by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, monitors and anticipates crises abroad, preparing response plans, conducting operations and supporting post-disaster recovery.
Action Contre la Faim
Since its creation in 1995, Action Contre la Faim has supported lifesaving programmes in over 40 countries around the world. The organisation saves the lives of malnourished children and provide families with access to safe water and good nutrition. In 2014, ACF helped over 13.6 million people worldwide.
Aviation sans Frontières
Aviation Sans Frontières is a non-profit organisation since 1980 and state-approved of public utility since 1993. For over 30 years, ASF led humanitarian missions to the poor at the heart of developing countries. ASF offers its materialistic resources, but also the professionalism and aeronautical skills of its members to serve humanitarian causes.
Humedica
Humedica, founded in 1979 and situated in Kaufbeuren (Bavaria), is an international non-governmental organisation, which provides humanitarian assistance in more than 90 countries. Humedica aims to help people, who suffer hardship due to disasters or structural poverty.
United Way
United Way improves lives by mobilising the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit with nearly 2.6 million volunteers and 9.6 million donors around the world. Together, they raise more than $5 billion every year to create community solutions that improve life for everyone, impacting the lives of up to 50 million people every year.
United Way France Tocqueville
United Way of Southwest Alabama
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a non-profit, mission based, science center that promotes science learning through a variety of inquiry-based educational and entertaining activities, including exhibits, IMAX films, demonstrations, workshops and teacher professional development. It is located in Mobile, Alabama, US.
fly2help
fly2help is an aviation charity dedicated to raising the spirits of people, young and old, living in difficult personal situations and inspiring young people as they consider their future lives. Founded by pilots, our Air Smiles Days and Aim High education programme take everything that is exhilarating about flying and uses it to do something extraordinary.
Tango Flight
Tango Flight is a hands-on high school class where students build and fly a two-seat airplane over the course of a school year. Students learn about all aspects of aviation and aerospace engineering through the hands-on experience of building an RV-12 aircraft, working with local aviation companies and even earn college credit with the integrated Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum.
Rock Your Life!
In Germany, the link between a young person’s perspective and socio-demographic background is remarkably strong. Especially for youngsters from disadvantaged milieus, this poses an essential problem. The German school system is very selective, allowing little educational mobility. ROCK YOUR LIFE! wants to encourage pupils on their way to professional life and contribute to them finding out about their strengths and talents, so that they start living accordingly.
The Airbus Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of Airbus management members, employee representatives and external experts in their fields.
College of Founding Members
| Guillaume Faury | Chief Executive Officer of Airbus SE |
| Thierry Baril | Chief Human Resources Officer Airbus |
| Bruno Even | Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters |
| Dirk Hoke | Chief Executive Officer Airbus Defence and Space |
| C. Jeffrey Knittel | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Airbus Americas |
| Amparo Moraleda | Member of the Board of Directors of Airbus SE |
| Grazia Vittadini | Chief Technology Officer Airbus |
| George Xu | Chief Executive Officer of Airbus China |
College of Employee Representatives
| Marc Ambiaux | Chairman of European Airbus SE-Works Council |
| Thomas Busch | Vice-President of European Airbus SE-Works Council |
College of External Experts
“The Foundation felt that I had the right ethos as a partner with my insight into the growth and development of young adults in the workplace. I can advise as to what does and doesn’t work when engaging this segment”.
Kriss Akabusi, Olympic medallist and CEO of The Akabusi Company & Charitable Trust
“We highly value the partnership between the IFRC and Airbus Foundation, which enables us to join commercial capacity with true humanitarian experience, enhancing the value of humanitarian action. Proven by the partnership experience, we can achieve more together when there is a shared vision and common objective of helping people in need.”
Birgitte Stalder-Olsen, Former Head of IFRC Global Logistics
“Being part of an airline such as JetBlue allowed me to get acutely familiar with the commercial aircraft business. In my opinion, it’s vital for the aviation to play a prominent role in supporting humanitarian. Pace, speed, efficiency: this is what aviation can bring”.
Dave Barger, Airlink Board member and former CEO of JetBlue Airways
“There are two forms of education: one that prepares and one that inspires. What I’ve learned as Minister is that you cannot expect everything to come from public policies. There’s also room for philanthropy, informal actions, companies – corporate foundations are a great complement to the effort of boosting interest in science and technology”.
Claudie Haigneré, First French woman astronaut and Senior Advisor to the Director General of European Space Agency
“At Fab Foundation we believe that people shape technology and that technology serves humanity. The exciting, impactful work that Airbus Foundation engages in - supporting STEAM education, supporting and actively participating in humanitarian efforts, is perfectly aligned with those goals and beliefs. Airbus Foundation is pioneering a terrific model for corporate philanthropy across Europe and making impact in society. It is a great pleasure to be able to help form and disseminate such good practices in the world."
Sherry Lassiter, President and CEO of the Fab Foundation