- Hamburg facility now operational with private 5G; Toulouse deployment underway for 2026 completion
- Networks will support augmented reality, asset tracking, predictive maintenance and collaborative robotics across production lines
What happened
Airbus has completed the implementation of a private 5G solution at its Hamburg, Germany production site, with a similar deployment in progress at its Toulouse, France manufacturing facility scheduled for completion by 2026. The rollout represents the first phase of a global expansion that will extend private 5G connectivity to additional Airbus sites across the United Kingdom, United States, Spain and other countries.
Ericsson Private 5G was selected as the technology backbone, designed to deliver reliable, secure, high-performance connectivity that supports industrial use cases. The solution features built-in infrastructure automation that enables rapid deployment compared to conventional network setups, whilst its modular design and API-driven architecture integrate with Airbus’ existing IT and cybersecurity requirements.
The private 5G networks support a range of advanced manufacturing applications including 3D simulation, augmented reality, asset traceability, predictive maintenance, IoT device integration, intelligent equipment management, real-time quality control and collaborative robotics. The comprehensive site coverage provides the high-speed, low-latency connectivity necessary for mobile machinery and operators across shop floors.
Why it’s important
This deployment signals a significant shift in how aerospace manufacturers are approaching digital transformation. Airbus aims to migrate all its industrial networks to 5G to ensure unified, ultra-reliable connectivity from operator workstations to aircraft cabins, with the standardisation and scalability of this architecture allowing the solution to be replicated easily across sites worldwide.
The move reflects broader Industry 4.0 trends where manufacturers are replacing legacy connectivity infrastructure with purpose-built private networks that offer greater control, security and performance than traditional Wi-Fi or public mobile networks. For highly regulated industries like aerospace, where safety, security and traceability are paramount, private 5G offers advantages that public networks cannot match.
The partnership between Airbus and Ericsson also points to future developments beyond current manufacturing applications. Both companies are pursuing joint research and development covering connected aircraft cabins, 6G technology and non-terrestrial networks to further strengthen connectivity. This positions Airbus not just to optimise current production but to establish a digital infrastructure capable of supporting the next generation of aerospace innovation, from smart factories to connected aircraft systems themselves.
