Leonardo has formally established a new aeronautics division, consolidating its activities in the aerostructures, fixed-wing aircraft and uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) sectors.
Previously, those operations were split between the aircraft and aerostructures units.
The new division will be headed by managing director Stefano Bortoli, a Leonardo veteran with previous stints at its helicopters business and regional aircraft joint venture ATR under his belt.
Leonardo says the move – announced in its industrial plan in March 2024 – is designed to “strengthen [its] competitive positioning in the aeronautics sector, both in the military and civil domains”.
It will be responsible for both Leonardo products, like the C-27J military transport, and managing the Italian firm’s strategic partnerships, such as with Airbus for ATR and the recently announced agreement with Turkey’s Baykar Technologies in the UAV segment.
Comprising 11,000 employees, the new division “will drive the development of enabling technologies to support the next generation of multi-domain aeronautical systems,” Leonardo says.
Combined EBITA for the two units in 2024 stood at €266 million ($302 million) – dragged down by a €151 million loss in the aerostructures business – on revenues of €3.6 billion.
Returning the aerostructures operation to profitability remains a priority for Leonardo, which has been exploring options to stem the losses.
