European aviation giant Airbus has announced the complete withdrawal of its investments from AviChina Industry & Technology Company Limited (AviChina), which sells military aircraft including Y-12 and K-8 to the Myanmar military junta. This decision has been welcomed by Myanmar advocacy groups including Justice For Myanmar, Info Birmanie, and Blood Money Campaign. Airbus held a 5.03 percent stake in AviChina, a subsidiary of Chinese weapons manufacturer AVIC, making it the largest international shareholder with investments valued at approximately US$140 million as of June 30, 2024.
The divestment comes as a result of intense pressure from civil society organizations, boycott groups, trade unions, and protesters worldwide. AviChina has been supplying the Myanmar military with aircraft, including K-8 light attack trainer aircraft and Y-12 multi-purpose aircraft, along with related equipment and technology. The Myanmar military has been using these aircraft to conduct airstrikes across the country. According to advocacy groups, the Myanmar Air Force has been able to continue its aerial offensive operations only because of continued access to aircraft, related military equipment, essential supplies, and maintenance services from foreign partners.
Airbus completed its divestment from AviChina on April 1, 2025. An Airbus spokesperson confirmed via email to Justice For Myanmar and Info Birmanie that ‘Airbus SE has completed the sale of all shares in AviChina Industry & Technology Company Limited, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Airbus no longer holds any investment in AVIC.’ This withdrawal sends a clear message about the financial and reputational consequences for AVIC and the Chinese government, which continue to supply military aircraft and related weapons to the Myanmar military junta. The move has been praised by activists who emphasize that companies can no longer ignore the extensive documentation of war crimes committed by the Myanmar military junta.
