Analysts Say Streiff Plans More Big Changes

It seems Airbus' new CEO is only just beginning his quest to bring about big changes.

Only in the pilot's seat since July, Christian Streiff promised quick action to resolve what he describes as a serious crisis at his company. Some aviation experts initially wondered if he would really shake things up... but those questions are becoming fewer.

As ANN reported Monday, Streiff made his first move by removing Chief Operating Officer Charles Champion, the man who oversaw the troubled A380 project.

SG Securities aerospace analyst Zafar Khan told BusinessWeek the move is a way for Streiff to "break with the past and stamp his authority on the organization," adding "there will be no more sacred cows." 

The A380 -- originally scheduled for launch last spring -- has fallen behind schedule because of assembly-line problems related to cabin wiring and the strength of the superjumbo's tail section.

Some experts feel Champion's removal and the appointment of Mario Heinen to run the program, may be a sign of things to come. Champion will stay on with Airbus as a special advisor to Streiff (right).

Many have applauded Champion's decision to shake things up at Airbus... but others warn that too much change, too quickly, could have devastating effects at Airbus.

Doug McVitie, a French-based aerospace analyst who used to work at Airbus, calls the COO's ousting "self-defeating and spiteful," saying Champion knows more about the program than anyone else.

Other experts say watch out for more changes.

Streiff recently announced a freeze on hiring, and even bigger changes could be in store at the end of September. That's when Streiff promised to release a 100-day progress report.

FMI: www.airbus.com