Airbus says its U.S. business will move in a 'new direction'

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense said today it plans to take a "new direction," announcing leadership changes and a plan to expand in the U.S. space and intelligence markets.

Chris Emerson, who became Airbus' chief executive last year, said in a company announcement that Airbus has reorganized its U.S. operations.

The company said it "will position the new business to meet the growing demands of the U.S. space market, blending longstanding expertise in space systems and exploration with commercial investments and an entrepreneurial spirit."

"Understanding the U.S. government's need for a resilient national security infrastructure, Emerson is also building up the company's U.S.-based geospatial intelligence capabilities," the company added.

Airbus' U.S. business unveiled a new slate of independent directors that includes Letitia Long, former director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; retired Air Force Gen. William Shelton, former commander of Air Force Space Command; and Mark Sirangelo, former head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems.