 Gustav Humbert has been a central figure in Airbus' development |
Airbus is poised to name its new boss next week, reports have claimed, after French and German shareholders settled their differences on the issue. German newspaper Handelsblatt said the board of Airbus-owner EADS, had agreed in principle to appoint Gustav Humbert as the new Airbus chief executive.
Mr Humbert is currently chief operating officer of Airbus, the world's largest civil aircraft manufacturer.
EADS said no decision had been made but the process may conclude shortly.
Strained relations
The firm has requested nominations for the position from its shareholders - which include German-American carmaker DaimlerChrysler, French defence and media firm Lagardere and the French government - by 1 June.
Observers believe a decision will be made soon after, as the parties involved seek to draw a line under what has been an extremely troubled process.
The search for a new boss has strained relations between the partners in EADS, with German and French investors each pushing for the top job at Airbus to be given to an executive from their own countries.
The ensuing row has delayed the formal appointment of Noel Forgeard, current Airbus chief executive and Thomas Enders as the co-chief executives of EADS, which could finally be confirmed next week.
"No decision has been taken," EADS spokesman Rainer Ohler said of the Airbus appointment.
"The process is still open."
However, Mr Ohler said that he did not expect the process to last long beyond 1 June once shareholders had reached a consensus.
Dual roles?
EADS has for years been riven by Franco-German rivalry, with both its co-chief executives deciding to stand down last year.
It was forced to postpone the appointment of successors at its annual general meeting earlier this month pending a dispute over the management of Airbus.
 The Airbus A380 'superjumbo' has thrust Airbus into the limelight |
Reports claimed that Mr Forgeard was keen to retain his post at Airbus as well as taking the top job at its parent firm, an option opposed by its German shareholders.
French and German shareholders own 60% of EADS between them. EADS controls 80% of Airbus, with the British defence firm BAE Systems owning the remainder.
DaimlerChrysler declined to comment on Airbus' management.
Airbus recently carried out the successful test flight of its A380 twin-deck super-jumbo which can carry more than 800 passengers.
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The process is still open
