Airbus Helicopters has officially inaugurated its new Digital Campus in Albacete, a strategic facility designed to enhance the company’s global digital capabilities and support the future development of aerospace technologies. The opening ceremony was attended by Emiliano García-Page, President of Castilla-La Mancha; Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defence; and Manuel Serrano López, Mayor of Albacete, alongside senior Airbus executives and industry stakeholders.
Located within the Scientific and Technological Park near the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the new Digital Campus will serve as one of Airbus Helicopters’ three global digital hubs, joining existing centres in France and Germany. The facility forms part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen digital transformation, accelerate innovation and support operations across its worldwide helicopter fleet.
The campus began operations in January 2026 and is expected to grow steadily over the coming years, with plans to employ approximately 200 professionals by 2029. The facility will focus on critical future-oriented disciplines, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital engineering, manufacturing technologies, data analytics and digital services.
Speaking at the inauguration, Emiliano García-Page highlighted the significance of the investment for the region’s technological ecosystem. He noted that Albacete has established itself as a major aerospace and innovation centre capable of attracting highly skilled professionals while strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and emerging technology companies.
The Digital Campus also represents a key element of Spain’s long-term industrial and defence strategy. Amparo Valcarce stated that the facility aligns with the framework agreement established under the Spanish National Helicopter Plan signed in 2025. Beyond fleet modernization, the initiative aims to reinforce Spain’s defence industrial base, increase technological autonomy and position the country as a centre of excellence for helicopter maintenance, digital technologies and advanced aerospace capabilities.
Martin Werner, Head of Digital and Transformation at Airbus Helicopters, said the company is making substantial investments in digital technologies to enhance competitiveness and customer support worldwide. He emphasized that integrating Spain into Airbus Helicopters’ transnational digital network will help meet growing demand for advanced capabilities across the organization’s global value chain.
A key feature of the project is its strong focus on talent development. Recruitment plans include approximately 70 new positions annually, with nearly 60 percent of opportunities targeted toward early-career professionals. The company intends to leverage its close partnership with the University of Castilla-La Mancha to create a direct pathway for students to transition from academic studies into high-value industrial and technological careers.
The inauguration marks another important milestone in Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to innovation, digital transformation and long-term investment in Spain’s aerospace sector, while strengthening the company’s global capabilities for the next generation of aviation technologies.
