It was an unusual email that more than 133 000 employees of Airbus Group found in ir mailbox last Friday. At very end of letter-as always written in four group languages-was almost evocative sound: “If we all pull toger now, I am sure that Airbus will emerge from this crisis as a better, stronger and more competitive company Will be. ” Including sweeping signature of CEO Tom Enders, 58.
There is no question: it is an appeal to close ranks that Enders is directing to workforce. The sound is clear, as is style of chief executive officer, who bears nickname “Major Tom”. It is about ever-new accusations of corruption against Airbus and its predecessors, and efforts of Executive Board to clear up se processes.
The boss agrees with employees on Hard times: “This is likely to be a long way off, and possibility of serious consequences, including substantial penalties for company, is certainly given.” There are new revelations to be expected, even those that are not right. Enders writes: “Imagine turbulent times.”
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They’re already here. The group had reported 2016 irregularities to British authorities. In addition, Public Prosecutor’s office in Munich investigates 16 defendants. In Austria, Defense Minister Hans Peter Doskozil reported a complaint against Airbus for alleged fraud in purchase of Eurofighter machines. And perhaps bribes for sale of commercial aircraft were channelled into different countries, Spiegel reports. Also Enders is now affected, it is said.
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The chief executive himself stresses that way to conduct enlightenment is correct. Airbus chief counsel John Harrison and he would have backing of board of directors “to bring matter to an end”. On Sunday, an Airbus spokesman defended board’s approach with all clearness. “What we see here is attempt to criminalise Tom Enders,” he said. Enders is said to be discredited because he has made a priority for Airbus compliance: “He has put a pond dry and its inhabitants defend mselves naturally.” The Scout is to be damaged so that ” whole reconnaissance is under wheels”.
In this way, an internal battle with Airbus is evidently underway behind scenes. Many of accusations of corruption in past are directed against a group of Paris sales teams known as SMO. Enders has already dissolved this. In addition, according to insiders, displeasure of current and former French Airbus employees in German leadership style.
Enders, since 2012 sole executive director, had dissolved two main administrations in Munich and Paris, group in Toulouse focused and streamlined. He renamed former EADS, founded in year 2000, into Airbus Group. The German-French aerospace company, in addition to US group Boeing, is world’s largest passenger aircraft supplier, also manufactures helicopters, satellites and fighter jets and is active in space travel. The turnover is 67 billion euros, order backlog is one trillion euros.
Enders does not seem to be accused of corruption before
The Public prosecutor’s office in Munich is, according to its own information, shortly before conclusion of its investigations. It is about a system of black coffers around British company Vector Aerospace. It is probably a matter of accusations of infidelity, procedure is against 16 accused, according to a spokeswoman of authority, Enders is not under it. Bribes paid to third parties could hardly be proved. There seems to be no charge for corruption.
In UK, Serious Fraud Office, SFO, has been investigating authority for cases of serious economic crime since August 2016. The group had referred authority itself to irregularities. The procedure concerns suspicion of fraud and bribery in business of transport machinery, it could take several years. At same time, Airbus has done internal investigations in hope of concluding affair with a comparison with authorities, as British turbine manufacturer Rolls-Royce did.
Gauweiler advises Airbus to claim damages
The investigations revolved around role of middlemen, with help of which Airbus wanted to win orders. Airbus receives guarantees from British Government for its expensive aircraft export, and in order to obtain it, group must disclose use of such intermediaries to authorities. In a review, Airbus noticed that company had failed to do so, and it refore reported to SFO. In addition to SFO, French authority parquet National Financier investigated.
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After this revelation, UK Export finance, Authority for State export guarantees and loans, provisionally introduced its support to Airbus. In Germany, such hedges are called Hermes guarantees. Exporters receive compensation from state if y supply products abroad and purchaser does not pay invoices.
In Austria, in turn, Airbus rejected all allegations of Defense Ministry because of Eurofighter purchase and resisted any form of prejudice. “A globally operating company such as Airbus does not have to take this form of unlawful denunciation,” said Peter Gauweiler, who is working for Airbus. He recommends Airbus to claim damages. The procedures will last-and Enders will certainly write some letters to staff.
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