Airbus marked a significant strategic move by announcing Jürgen Westermeier as the new President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, effective September 1, 2025. This leadership change underscores Airbus’ renewed commitment to the rapidly growing South Asian aerospace sector and to India as a vital pillar in its global portfolio.
Westermeier, who succeeds Remi Maillard, brings a robust track record of innovation and operational excellence. Previously Executive Vice-President and Chief Procurement Officer at Airbus, he is known for forging strong partnerships and enhancing procurement and supplier ecosystems worldwide.
His extensive experience—ranging from key roles at BMW in both Germany and China to his successful transformation work at Airbus—positions him uniquely to steer Airbus’s multi-faceted growth agenda across commercial aviation, defence, and space in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
India’s aviation market is expected to surpass several global peers, backed by surging passenger numbers, enhanced connectivity initiatives, and the government’s ‘Make in India’ policy. Airbus has already established itself as a leader in this transformation, not just through aircraft sales but also by expanding engineering, digital, innovation, and training services. Westermeier’s leadership will accelerate Airbus’s vision of deepening indigenization, fostering supplier development, and investing in local talent and capabilities.
In his new role, Westermeier will drive commercial aircraft and defence opportunities, collaborate closely with regional stakeholders, and push for technology and sustainability goals. Crucially, he is tasked with leveraging Airbus’s broad regional presence to deliver state-of-the-art solutions, supporting India’s aspirations to become an aviation and space powerhouse. His mandate includes building on Airbus’s footprint, advancing the company’s local campaigns, and supporting India’s economic diversification and digital transformation.
By entrusting Westermeier with this pivotal region, Airbus highlights its intention to lead and shape the future of aviation and aerospace across South Asia. His appointment symbolizes a blend of strategic continuity and new energy—ensuring Airbus remains an innovation partner to India and its neighbors in the years to come.
