The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Airbus have signed a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) loan to support research and development in Europe’s aerospace sector, forming the first tranche of a wider €3 billion financing package.

The funding will support Airbus’ investment programme through 2030, focusing on advanced technologies and integrated systems for commercial aviation, as well as security and defence capabilities.

Projects will be carried out across France, Germany and Spain, strengthening Europe’s aerospace and defence ecosystems.

The EIB described the agreement as its largest corporate loan framework to date, designed to reinforce Europe’s technological leadership and industrial competitiveness.

The financing aims to enhance innovation in aircraft development and defence systems while supporting long-term manufacturing excellence.

According to the EIB, the scale of the package reflects the investment needs of Europe’s leading aerospace manufacturer to remain competitive globally.

The loan includes flexible terms and long maturities, providing stable funding for large-scale programmes that contribute to Europe’s industrial resilience, economic security and strategic autonomy in the aerospace sector. -TradeArabia News Service