Leading Investor Critical Software and Airbus launch Critical FlyTech for aerospace innovation

Airbus and Critical Software have formalised a new joint venture, Critical FlyTech, dedicated to developing high-assurance aerospace software for aviation, space, and defence applications. Scheduled to begin operations early next year with a team of 120 employees, aiming to reach 300 specialists by 2028. According to CEO Ricardo Armas, the project will bring together the strengths of both organisations to deliver technology that meets the strictest standards of safety, reliability, and innovation.

This initiative further reinforces Airbus and Critical Software agreement with Critical FlyTech now representing the concrete next step, strengthening Portugal’s role within the global aerospace value chain. Airbus already employs over one thousand people in Portugal across its production facilities in Santo Tirso and its Global Business Services hubs, and continues to seek national partners through programmes such as Eurofighter.

For Critical Software, which already employs more than 1,400 people across Portugal, the UK, the US, and Germany, this partnership represents a new chapter in its long-standing mission. Chairman Gonçalo Quadros emphasises that Critical FlyTech embodies the company’s belief that excellence in engineering, curiosity, and courage can have lasting impact. Its work will span avionics systems, cabin systems, and connectivity solutions. 

Critical FlyTech will focus on designing and developing certifiable, high-assurance software for critical missions, aiming to build long-term strategic capabilities essential for the digitalisation, safety, and certification of aerospace platforms. The Leading Investor together with Airbus seek to create with Critical FlyTech a technology that not only powers flight but also inspires the future of aerospace innovation.