- Sanctions on Russian titanium would have a limited impact on Russia's economy, Airbus told Insider.
- Sanctions on the metal would "massively damage" Europe's aerospace industry, Airbus said.
- The company is seeking other sources of titanium to bridge any potential supply gaps in the future.
European airplane manufacturer Airbus has warned that inclusion of titanium in any future sanctions against Russia would hurt Europe's aerospace industry more than it would Russia.
Speaking at the company's annual general meeting on Tuesday, Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, said that the company is currently seeking other sources for long term supply of the titanium it uses in manufacturing aircraft, but continues to receive supply from Russia.
Titanium has not been included on EU sanctions list, unlike other commodities such as some steel products and coal. The EU has already enacted five rounds of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, and is preparing the next round, which will involve a system of "rolling sanctions".
A spokesperson for Airbus told Insider: "Sanctions on Russian titanium would hardly harm Russia, because they only account for a small part of export revenues there. But they would massively damage the entire aerospace industry across Europe."
U.S. rival Boeing stopped using Russian titanium in early March, according to Bloomberg, saying that it had sufficient supplies after diversifying its sourcing arrangements. Airbus currently relies on Russia for about half of its titanium supply, according to the newswire.
Titanium is used widely in aircraft construction due to it being strong, yet lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.
Russian firm VSMPO-AVISMA is the world's largest titanium producer, according to media reports. It is the top supplier of titanium to Airbus, and was previously a major provider to Boeing, according to its website.
US, EU and UK sanctions have already hit the aviation industry. European and US manufacturers are no longer able to supply parts or services to Russian airlines that use their aircraft, nor can they sell any new aircraft to Russian carriers. Sanctions targeting Russian airlines have also left jets stranded in the country.
Faury added that Airbus has been stockpiling titanium for years, which would provide a cushion from shortages from any potential embargoes on the metal, he added.
The head of the planemaker added that the company is abiding by sanctions against Russia already in place.
"Airbus has suspended deliveries and support services to Russian customers as well as the supply of spare parts to the country," Faury said.