Airbus has long been recognised as a pioneer in digital transformation within the aerospace industry. Its latest move, the deployment of a private 5G network, marks a significant leap in its journey to build a more connected, efficient and secure manufacturing environment. As this private infrastructure expands across its global operations, Airbus is laying the foundation for what it sees as the future of smart aerospace production.
The initiative began with deployments at Airbus’ core European manufacturing hubs, including sites in France, Germany and Spain. In these facilities, private 5G has already begun to replace legacy Wi-Fi systems, offering faster speeds, greater capacity and more reliable connectivity. With peak throughput of up to 1.4 Gbps, the network supports bandwidth-hungry applications such as real-time data capture from tablets and smartphones on the factory floor, high-definition video, and industrial IoT workloads.
One of the key advantages of private 5G is its ability to deliver secure, uninterrupted coverage in previously hard-to-reach areas. For example, on the A350 final assembly line in Toulouse, operators can now input machine data directly via mobile devices without returning to stationary terminals. This seemingly small change has significant implications for operational efficiency and worker productivity. The same network infrastructure also supports autonomous guided vehicles (AGV) that transport components and tools between stations, and provides robust communication links for security and emergency response teams on-site.
The rollout has not been without its complexities. Special precautions were taken to ensure there is no interference with active aircraft operations. The network operates on specific, locally regulated frequencies, and its emissions have been independently verified to comply with French and European safety standards. Moreover, integration with existing IT infrastructure has required careful engineering to align with Airbus' stringent cybersecurity policies.
While the initial focus has been on Europe, the vision is global. Airbus has plans to expand the network to sites in the UK, US, Canada and China. The approach is based on a repeatable design template: around 80 percent of the system is standardised to ensure consistency and rapid deployment, while the remaining 20 percent is customised to meet the unique needs of each site. This blueprint enables Airbus to scale its infrastructure while adapting to local spectrum regulations and operational requirements.
The company relies primarily on Ericsson for its radio and core network infrastructure and works closely with system integrators such as Orange Business for managed services. Airbus has also been running trials with other vendors for advanced features like precise geolocation, and is evaluating multiple core network suppliers through long-running RFI and lab testing programmes.
The private 5G network is tightly integrated into Airbus’ IT architecture rather than treated as a standalone OT system. This integration supports a seamless approach to device management, security policy enforcement and network automation. While spectrum allocation and the availability of skilled integrators remain ongoing challenges, Airbus is leveraging its internal automation stacks and external partnerships to overcome these barriers.
Looking ahead, Airbus aims to migrate all industrial connectivity to 5G over the next three to five years. The use of 5G-enabled smart tools, 3D positioning for quality control and even early steps toward immersive technologies such as industrial metaverse platforms are all on the horizon. The firm is also actively exploring new 5G features like Time Sensitive Networking and RedCap, though these are still in the early stages of product readiness.
Private 5G is more than just a new type of wireless connectivity for Airbus. It represents a strategic enabler of its vision for a data-driven, agile and resilient aerospace production environment. As new use cases evolve and the network expands globally, Airbus' efforts offer a clear example of how private 5G can be scaled and integrated to power the factories of the future.
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