The story of Airbus Spain begins in 1923 with the founding of Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. (CASA) by José Ortiz-Echagüe. CASA quickly established itself as a trailblazer in European aviation, designing and manufacturing aircraft that laid the groundwork for Spain’s aerospace ambitions. A pivotal moment came with the invention of the autogyro by Juan de la Czerva, a precursor to modern helicopters that showcased Spain’s early engineering ingenuity. Over the decades, CASA collaborated on international projects, cementing its reputation as a key player in European aviation.

In 1970, the formation of Airbus Industrie as a European consortium marked a turning point. CASA’s expertise in aircraft design and manufacturing made it a natural partner, and Spain became one of Airbus’s four founding nations alongside France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. By 2000, CASA fully integrated into the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), which later rebranded as Airbus SE in 2015. This merger unified Europe’s aerospace capabilities, positioning Airbus Spain as a leader in the global market. Today, Airbus Spain accounts for 56.4% of the nation’s aerospace and defense revenues, a testament to its enduring legacy and forward-looking vision.