How Airbus is Automating Aircraft Seat Installation

CabinMarker, which automates aircraft seat installation, is the first robot to be fully industrialised in-house by Airbus Robotics.

It’s primary mission is to automate the positioning of aircraft seats, a task that is uncomfortable for human operators who bend, kneel or crawl to mark position seat tracks manually. 

The robot, which weighs just four kilograms,  is described by aerospace giant Airbus as a good example of how humans and machines can interact to boost efficiency on the shop floor.

The first CabinMarker deliveries

It was originally developed as a prototype by Airbus ProtoSpace in 2018, now, the technology has been refined and industrialised.

Following a rigorous development phase, CabinMarker achieved a major milestone in December 2025 when the robot received official industrial certification.

In late 2026, the first two units will be delivered to the Jean-Luc Lagardère A321 final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. They will be used to fit seats on board the A321XLR.

Airbus says that plans are underway to roll out the robot across other aircraft assembly facilities, at an average of two machines per line, including the A330 FAL in Toulouse where testing has already taken place.

Airbus’ global manufacturing

European headquartered Airbus has over 20 manufacturing sites globally, each producing and assembling different parts of the aircraft, which are subsequently shipped to final assembly lines where the complete aircraft takes shape. 

It has 12 final assembly lines at across five locations globally. Hamburg, Germany is home to four A320 family final assembly lines while Toulouse, France hosts two final assembly lines for the single-aisle A320 Family.

Its site in Mobile, Alabama, US handles the build-up of A320 family and single-aisle A220 aircraft for customers in North America. A320 Family aircraft are also assembled in Tianjin, China, where deliveries are made to Asian airlines.

Airbus range of products

The Airbus A320 family is Airbus’s most popular aircraft line. In 2025, its A320 family of planes overtook the Boeing 737 to become the most delivered jetliner in history. 

Its commercial aircraft also includes the A330 family and A350 family.

Its helicopters like the H125M and H160M are used in the military. More than 140 armed forces around the world use Airbus’ products according to the company's website. 

The company also offers uncrewed aerial systems for military, government and commercial applications and space equipment.

Beyond this Airbus offers a wide range of products and services spanning the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space sectors.

Airbus’ strategy

Airbus strategy is designed to address challenges while creating value for its stakeholders. 

It rests on five core principles: resilience, innovation, sustainability, focus and scale. 

Guillaume Faury, the CEO of Airbus, says: “At Airbus, we pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. We want to serve our customers and meet their requirements while maintaining our strong market position company-wide.

“Our core pillars of safety, quality, integrity, compliance and security will remain at the heart of all we do.”

Key people at Airbus

Guillaume was appointed Airbus CEO in April 2019 and re-appointed in 2025. He was previously President of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, a role he had held since February 2018. Guillaume began his career in 1992 as a flight-test engineer for the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter.

Thomas Toepfer was appointed CFO of Airbus in 2023. Prior to this Thomas was CFO and labour director at Covestro AG, a leading German company producing polyurethane and polycarbonate raw materials.

Julie Kitcher is Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications at Airbus. In her position, she oversees the Company's sustainability roadmap, driving Airbus' contribution to current environmental, societal, regulatory and technological challenges.