Airbus Americas getting new chief

HERNDON, Va. -- The leadership of European planemaker Airbus’ U.S. operations will change early next year when C. Jeffrey Knittel becomes chairman and chief executive posts at Airbus Americas. He will replace Airbus Americas CEO Barry Eccleston, who will retire on Feb. 28, 2018. Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, will remain with the company as chairman emeritus. Knittel, who brings more than 25 years of global aerospace leadership experience to the position, will join the company at its Americas headquarters in Herndon Jan. 12. (Source: Airbus, 11/07/17) Gulf Coast note: Airbus Americas employs 5,000 people and its operations include an A320 series assembly line and Engineering Center in Mobile, Ala., and helicopter manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Miss., and Texas. Knittel is a trustee of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.