Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even Departs After Doubling Order Book to Record €13.7 Billion

CEO Bruno Even exits Airbus Helicopters after doubling orders to €13.7B and shifting focus to uncrewed systems. Matthieu Louvot takes the helm.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 10:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Aviation Week and Daily Galaxy

A Planned Transition After a Period of Strategic Recovery

Airbus Helicopters, the global leader in rotorcraft manufacturing, officially began a new leadership chapter on April 1, 2026, following the departure of CEO Bruno Even. After eight years at the helm, Even’s exit marks the conclusion of a transformative era that saw the company navigate a sharp industry downturn and the subsequent disruptions of a global pandemic. His tenure is being viewed by industry analysts as a period of stabilization and aggressive recalibration, moving the Marignane-based division from a defensive market position to one of record-breaking growth in both the civil and defense sectors.

Financial Momentum and the Doubling of Global Orders

The most significant metric of Even’s leadership is the dramatic expansion of the company’s financial health. According to data cited by Aviation Week, Airbus Helicopters saw its annual order intake surge from €7.2 billion in 2019 to €13.7 billion in the most recent fiscal year—nearly doubling within a seven-year window. This growth was fueled by a rebound in civil aviation and a marked increase in global defense spending, particularly following the geopolitical shifts of 2022. The company also capitalized on a resurgence in offshore energy transport services and a robust expansion of its global services business.

Shifting Priorities From eVTOL to Uncrewed Systems

One of the defining strategic pivots of the Even era was the decision to withdraw from high-profile electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) programs. While many competitors doubled down on urban air mobility, Airbus leadership concluded that regulatory and technological readiness had not yet met the necessary thresholds. Instead, the company redirected its research and development resources toward uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced rotorcraft technology. This shift was solidified by the acquisition of U.S.-based Aerovel, which has significantly strengthened Airbus's footprint in the unmanned aircraft market.