EIB supports Airbus Groups' innovation programmes

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Airbus Group have announced the signature of a €500m finance contract in support of Airbus Group’s innovation and R&D programmes in Europe, of which €400m will go to research, development and innovation (RDI) activities in France. This new agreement brings total EIB support for Airbus Group since 2011 to €1.3bn. This project aims to promote the development of innovative products in order to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact, particularly in terms of the energy efficiency of aircraft. It will serve to offer effective solutions that will directly impact aeronautical design and production, in particular by improving aircraft aerodynamics and optimising passenger comfort and safety. This is one of the EIB’s large-scale loans for financing innovation in Europe. This sector is one of the key priorities of the European Union’s bank, which in 2014 alone provided nearly €2b in support of projects of excellence in France.