Airbus has announced the appointment of Lars Wagner as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Commercial aircraft business, effective January 2026. Wagner brings a wealth of experience in the aerospace sector, underpinned by a strong educational foundation with several key leadership positions at MTU Aero Engines AG. He will succeed Christian Scherer, who currently holds the role and will transition responsibilities ahead of Wagner’s official start.
CEO of commercial aircraft business
The current chief executive officer (CEO) at MTU Aero Engines AG will be joining Airbus as CEO of the commercial aircraft business. Lars Wagner will be succeeding the current CEO Christian Scherer effective Jan. 1, 2026. His new role will be in the Airbus Executive Committee. Although his initial entry is set on Jan. 1, 2026, Wagner will undergo an early transition into his new role from the beginning of November 2025, specific dates have not been released. This early entry is to ensure a smooth transition with Christian Scherer who will remain CEO through Dec. 31, 2025.
About Lars Wagner
The soon-to-be CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft has been the CEO at MTU Aero Engines since January 2023. He has taken several roles in his early career and at Airbus in Bremen, Toulouse, and Hamburg. Since joining MTU in 2015, before his lead role at MTU Aero Engines, he served as MTU’s chief operating officer (COO) and as executive vice president (EVP) for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) operations.
Wagner comes from a strong educational background, majoring in mechanical and aeronautical engineering including a Master of Business Administration (MBA). His educational and industrial expertise has greatly contributed to his leadership capabilities. His expertise, honed at MTU aligns closely with Airbus expanding ambitions, including its 2024 goal of delivering around 770 aircraft, a figure it nearly met with 766 deliveries. As CEO, he will lead strategic oversight across Airbus’s commercial aircraft operations. After becoming CEO, Wagner will be responsible for the long-term strategic planning for production of A320neo and customer relations.
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