Airbus Ensures Data Sovereignty with European Cloud Migration
French aerospace giant Airbus is set to announce a major contract for migrating its critical systems from US-based infrastructure to a European sovereign cloud, amid growing concerns over data security and regulatory compliance.
Motivation Behind the Move
The decision to shift key local applications, including ERP systems, production management systems, CRM systems, and product lifecycle management systems, to a sovereign cloud is driven by the need to ensure data confidentiality and control. According to Catherine Yestin, Airbus’s Executive Vice President for Digital, «The company requires a sovereign cloud storage solution as part of its information is extremely confidential from a national and European perspective. We want to guarantee that this information remains under European control.»
What is a Sovereign Cloud?
A sovereign cloud stores all data within the borders of a sovereign state, preventing foreign access and creating a trusted environment for data storage and processing that remains under the jurisdiction of one country or a union of states. This approach enables companies like Airbus to comply with stringent data protection regulations and mitigate risks associated with extraterritorial laws.
Tender Process and Expectations
The tender process for the contract, expected to be worth over €50 million and lasting up to 10 years, will begin in early next year, with a decision anticipated by summer. Airbus is optimistic about finding a suitable provider, estimating its chances at 80:20.
Digital Sovereignty Concerns in the EU
The push for digital sovereignty within the EU has intensified since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, leading to trade and international relations instability. This has prompted European consumers to reduce their dependence on US suppliers. While Microsoft, AWS, and Google have developed solutions to address these concerns, worries persist regarding the US CLOUD Act, which allows authorities to request data stored by US companies in foreign data centers.
Future Developments
Airbus awaits clarification from European regulators on whether the company will receive «protection from the effects of extraterritorial laws» and ensure uninterrupted service from local providers. As the company navigates this critical migration, it underscores the growing importance of data sovereignty in the digital age and the need for robust, compliant solutions that align with regional regulations and standards.
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