MIRABEL, Quebec: Airbus has officially named Guillaume Chevasson as the new head of the A220 programme and chief executive officer of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, effective October 1, 2025. Chevasson’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for Airbus’ Canadian operations as it pursues a final ramp-up in A220 production and sets its sights on sustained profitability.
Chevasson succeeds Benoît Schultz, who has been appointed chief procurement officer for Airbus globally. Schultz’s tenure as CEO of Airbus Canada marked a dynamic growth phase for the A220 programme and the company’s Canadian footprint. Since his appointment in 2021, Schultz oversaw a dramatic doubling of personnel, a significant expansion of the order book, and a notable increase in production rates. Under his stewardship, key milestones included:
- Inauguration of the Mirabel pre-assembly line
- Launch of the A220 flight and integration tests center
- Construction of a new aircraft delivery center
These achievements not only reinforced Airbus’ position as a leading force in Canada’s aerospace landscape, but also solidified the A220 as a formidable contender in the global market for small single-aisle jets.
At 42, Guillaume Chevasson brings a wealth of leadership experience to his new roles. Having joined Airbus in 2005, he has held a broad range of senior positions, most recently as Head of Finance & Controlling for Programmes and Services at Airbus Commercial Aircraft since 2020. He played a key role in strengthening the financial backbone of Airbus Commercial, advancing competitiveness, and integrating teams across borders.
Chevasson’s expertise spans executive roles as vice chairman of EFW and board member for both ATR and Aerostack. Notably, he contributed to the successful merger of Airbus Commercial and Airbus Group, demonstrating an aptitude for complex multinational integration projects.
Beyond financial management, Chevasson has spearheaded business development initiatives, leading sales and marketing efforts across the Asia-Pacific, developing strategies for emerging aerospace markets such as Brazil, and navigating merger and acquisition landscapes. He has also worked on international defense projects, deepening Airbus’ engagements in that sector.
A native of Toulouse, France, Chevasson holds advanced degrees in Financial Audit from I.C.N. Business School. He will relocate to Montreal with his family in preparation for assuming leadership of the A220 Programme and Airbus Canada Limited Partnership.
The leadership transition comes as Airbus’ A220 programme closes in on ambitious production targets—aiming for 14 aircraft per month by 2026. In June alone, the company delivered 12 A220s, significantly up from previous months. The expansion is driven by swelling demand, as evidenced by high-profile orders such as LOT Polish Airlines’ recent purchase of 40 A220s and Air Niugini’s expanded commitment. These orders further bolster an already robust backlog and underscore the A220’s growing importance in Airbus’ global portfolio.
Investment in the Mirabel facility and a US$1.2 billion joint commitment from Airbus and the Government of Quebec also speak to the programme’s strategic value for both the province and the corporation. This partnership is set to run through 2035, fortifying Airbus’ role as a central player in Quebec’s—and Canada’s—aerospace sector.
Chevasson’s appointment is widely seen as both a continuation and deepening of Airbus’ growth strategy in North America. His expertise in financial transformation and international expansion is expected to be critical as Airbus Canada completes its production ramp-up and charts a path toward long-term profitability and resilience.
The transition also mirrors broader changes within Airbus’ executive ranks, as Schultz takes up the procurement portfolio amid global supply chain challenges—a role considered vital in sustaining the group’s competitive position.
With the A220’s increasing integration within Airbus and steady market gains, Chevasson’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating the next phase of Canadian aerospace excellence.
