“This joint venture will be 51% owned by Airbus and 49% by Critical Software,” the companies announced today.

In a statement sent to Lusa news agency, it is explained that this partnership reinforces Airbus' investment in Portugal, “combining its extensive aerospace experience with Critical Software's proven expertise in embedded software engineering with critical safety.”

“Critical FlyTech, headquartered in Coimbra with an office in Lisbon, will reinforce Airbus' competitive leadership in the aerospace sector through the design and development of highly reliable and certifiable software solutions for critical systems and missions in various domains, including avionics systems, cabin systems, and connectivity solutions,” they described.

Led by Ricardo Armas, Critical FlyTech will begin operations in early 2026 with a team of 120 employees, expected to reach 300 by the end of 2028.

“By integrating into Airbus' specialized ecosystem and its global presence, this team will bring together long-term strategic expertise that is fundamental to safety, performance, and certification across all platforms, aligned with the increasing complexity and digitalization of aerospace systems.”

“Safer world”

For the chairman of Critical Software, Gonçalo Quadros, this partnership represents a new chapter in building “a better and safer world.”

“Critical FlyTech reflects everything Critical Software has always stood for: the conviction that engineering excellence, curiosity, and courage can have a lasting impact. Together with Airbus, we are transforming that conviction into reality and creating technology that not only flies but also inspires,” he said.

For Quadros, by combining the strengths of Airbus and Critical Software, “a new centre of excellence in highly reliable aerospace software” is being created.

“Our mission is clear: to provide technological solutions that meet the most rigorous criteria for safety, reliability, and innovation, and that shape the future of aviation, space, and defense,” highlighted Ricardo Armas, who will assume the role of CEO of Critical FlyTech.

Marc Fischer, Senior Vice President for Engineering - Cabin & Cargo at Airbus, emphasised that Airbus values ​​partnerships with companies that share a transformative vision of history.

“This joint venture allows us to fully leverage Critical Software’s agility and experience to strengthen our embedded software base in a context of increasing aerospace digitalization. Critical FlyTech symbolizes this shared ambition and reaffirms the commitment of both entities to aerospace innovation,” he stated.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1998, Critical Software is a multinational technology company specializing in software solutions and engineering services to support safety-, mission-, and business-critical systems for enterprises.

It operates in high-assurance sectors such as space, aeronautics, and defense, and employs more than 1,400 people in four countries (Portugal, United Kingdom, USA, Germany).

Airbus leads the sustainable aerospace sector for “a safe and united world,” constantly innovating to provide efficient and technologically advanced solutions for defense and connected services.

In commercial aviation, Airbus designs and manufactures modern, cost-effective aircraft and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defense, and security.

In the helicopter division, Airbus provides efficient civil and military helicopter solutions and services worldwide.