European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has commenced its €5 billion (approximately $5.6 billion) share buyback programme, marking the start of a multi-year initiative aimed at returning value to its shareholders.
Announced on 9 November, the programme will run through multiple tranches until 31 July 2029, with the manufacturer intending to cancel the shares acquired through the process.
The first tranche began on Monday, 9 November, and will run until 23 December 2026, with a maximum allocation of €800 million (approximately $900 million). The actual number of shares purchased will depend on prevailing market conditions during the period.
First Phase to Run Until December
Airbus has appointed an independent investment firm to manage the execution of the first tranche. The firm will determine the timing of share purchases independently of the aircraft manufacturer.
The programme follows approval by Airbus’ Board of Directors in July 2026, when the company outlined its medium-term financial ambitions during a business update for investors and analysts.
Unlike share repurchases intended to support employee share ownership schemes, the newly announced programme will see the shares acquired by Airbus cancelled. This will reduce the company’s total number of shares in circulation.
Airbus Sets Out Ambitious 2029 Financial Targets
The €5 billion initiative was announced alongside Airbus’ longer-term financial ambitions, which include a target of between €12 billion and €13 billion in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by 2029. The manufacturer recorded €7.13 billion in adjusted EBIT during 2025, with the latest target reflecting its expectations for continued growth across its commercial aircraft, helicopter, and defence and space divisions.
Shareholders granted Airbus’ Board of Directors the authority to repurchase up to 10% of the company’s issued share capital at the Annual General Meeting held on 14 April 2026. The execution of the programme remains subject to continued shareholder approval.
The first tranche is expected to conclude shortly before the end of the year, with further purchases scheduled to take place over the following years.
