Europe’s largest aerospace group, Airbus, is rethinking its cloud strategy to focus on control rather than convenience. The company is contemplating a transition away from its current cloud providers, Google and Microsoft, in favor of a European-based cloud that adheres strictly to European regulations. This decision marks a significant departure for Airbus, which heavily relies on US technology for its operations. The move is driven by the need to safeguard sensitive data and ensure that it remains under European jurisdiction.
Airbus has already made significant strides in consolidating its data centers and leveraging services like Google Workspace. However, the company now aims to migrate core systems currently operating on its infrastructure to the cloud. These essential systems include enterprise resource planning software, manufacturing execution systems, customer relationship management tools, and product lifecycle management platforms storing crucial aircraft designs.
The company’s quest for a European cloud partner stems from its concern about the lack of suitable providers meeting its stringent requirements. Airbus is only estimating an 80% chance of finding a cloud provider in Europe that aligns with its needs. Catherine Jestin, Airbus’s executive vice president of digital, emphasized the importance of a sovereign cloud to protect sensitive information from a national and European perspective.
The shift towards a European cloud is also driven by the evolving landscape of modern software deployment. Major vendors like SAP are increasingly focusing on cloud-based offerings, prompting companies to adapt to new platforms. Airbus is particularly eyeing SAP’s S/4HANA system, designed to operate in a cloud environment.
In January, Airbus plans to initiate a request for proposals to identify a suitable European cloud partner, with a decision expected before summer. The contract, spanning up to ten years and valued at over €50 million, will prioritize stable pricing throughout the term. This timing coincides with the growing emphasis on digital sovereignty among European organizations, particularly in response to geopolitical uncertainties.
The concept of digital sovereignty revolves around a country’s ability to govern its digital infrastructure, data, and services according to local laws. The introduction of the US CLOUD Act has added complexity to this concept, allowing US authorities to access data held by American technology firms, irrespective of its physical location. Airbus is concerned about the implications of this law and seeks clarification from European regulators on its impact.
The aerospace giant’s move towards a European cloud is also fueled by doubts about the technical capabilities of European providers to meet its operational needs. As Jestin highlighted, the uncertainty surrounding the search for a suitable solution places pressure on Europe’s cloud industry to collaborate and scale up effectively.
In conclusion, Airbus’s shift towards a European cloud reflects its commitment to safeguarding sensitive data under European jurisdiction. The company’s meticulous approach to selecting a cloud partner underscores the critical importance of digital sovereignty in today’s data-driven landscape. By prioritizing control and compliance, Airbus is paving the way for a new era of cloud governance tailored to European regulations and security standards.
