As Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO, Knittel will be responsible for Airbus' commercial aircraft business throughout the Americas, as well as for providing leadership for the company's helicopters and space and defense businesses in North America. With more than 5,000 employees, Airbus Americas is the U.S.-based operation of Airbus, encompassing the regional corporate offices, engineering centers, training facilities, MROs and spare parts distribution centers, as well as manufacturing facilities producing commercial aircraft, helicopters and satellites. Already a positive contributor to the region's aerospace design, manufacture and operation, the company plans continued growth of its significant footprint in the Americas in the years ahead.

"Jeff Knittel has the perfect skillset to lead the Airbus Americas team into the future, and I am very pleased that he has agreed to join the company - one he already knows well from the perspective of a long-time customer," said Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "The Americas is a vital region for Airbus - one where we will continue to expand our investments and corporate citizenship, as well as serve and grow our customer and supplier partnerships.  Our business there will thrive under Jeff's leadership, business acumen and deep understanding of the forces shaping this market."

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