Airbus’s messy breakup with Microsoft drags on years after Google switch

A cost-saving move turned into a tech nightmare. Five years later, Airbus still can’t quit Microsoft—here’s why its teams refuse to let go.

, and Administrator

2025 December 4 . 1:01 AM

1 min read

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Airbus’s messy breakup with Microsoft drags on years after Google switch

Airbus announced in 2018 that it would replace Microsoft Office with Google Workspace within 18 months. Years later, the transition remains unfinished. Technical hurdles and company policies have kept Microsoft tools in use alongside Google’s software.

The switch began as a cost-cutting move, aiming to streamline operations under Google’s cloud-based system. But compatibility problems soon emerged. Large Excel spreadsheets, critical for Airbus’s engineering and financial work, struggled to function properly in Google Sheets. This forced many teams to keep using Microsoft’s software.

Airbus’s transition to Google Workspace has stretched far beyond its original 18-month plan. With unresolved technical and security issues, Microsoft’s software stays embedded in daily operations. The company’s reliance on both systems suggests no immediate end to its Microsoft ties.