Benoit Klein takes charge of global industrial operations across Airbus Helicopters’ 12 sites
Airbus Helicopters has appointed Benoit Klein as Executive Vice President Operations, expanding his responsibilities to global industrial operations across the company’s 12 industrial sites worldwide.
In his new role, Klein will oversee manufacturing, supply chain management and overall operational performance across the Airbus Helicopters industrial network. He will also join the Airbus Executive Committee and report directly to Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot.
The appointment places Klein at the centre of Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial and production activities, covering the processes and infrastructure required to support helicopter manufacturing and the wider operational supply chain.
Klein joins the role after serving as Head of the H160 Programme and Senior Vice President at Airbus Helicopters from 2025 to 2026, where he led the next-generation civil and military helicopter programme.
His previous roles at Airbus Helicopters include Head of the Centre of Excellence Rotors and Transmissions, Vice President, from 2022 to 2024, giving him experience across major dynamic helicopter components.
Between 2019 and 2022, Klein served as Head of Site at Paris Le Bourget, while from 2015 to 2019 he was responsible for the H175 Final Assembly Line and served as Industrial Programme Officer.
Earlier in his career, from 2010 to 2014, he headed the Major Dynamics Components Assembly Line.
The breadth of these assignments spans final assembly, major dynamic components, rotor and transmission activities, programme management and industrial site operations — areas closely connected to helicopter production, maintenance and long-term support.
As Executive Vice President Operations, Klein will be responsible for driving operational performance across Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial footprint.
His remit covers both manufacturing and supply chain management, making industrial efficiency, production coordination and supply-chain performance key elements of his new role.
Klein also brings industry-level experience from his time as President of the GIFAS Industrial Committee, a position he held from 2019 to 2024.
Klein holds a Mechanical Engineering Sciences Diploma from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), with specialisation in materials, technological innovation and innovative project management.
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His career at Airbus Helicopters has subsequently combined engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities across manufacturing sites, major component production and helicopter programmes.
His appointment comes as Airbus Helicopters continues to manage an industrial network spanning multiple sites and activities supporting its civil and military helicopter portfolio.
