Domain names

It is important to have a domain naming strategy that can be followed while assigning new domains (internally/externally) or naming new domains.

• If domain names are consistent, users are more apt to remember and correctly specify the names.
• Domain naming strategy allows Airbus to have one single harmonized structure for all divisions.
• Generalising the naming structure gives users the sense of understanding about the content/page instantly.
• Domain names containing Airbus.com are also easily founded by Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Thus, we need to standardise the naming structure so that every new domain, follows the same strategy.

Sub-domain is a child domain under a larger parent domain name, using dot (.) as a separator, e.g. www.xyz.airbus.com

• Pros : separate website
• Cons : Starting from scratch with SEO 
             Does not benefit from the natural SEO of the domain
             Higher technical effort for setup
             Needs more work to gain visibility

Sub-folder is a folder behind a domain address, e.g. www.airbus.com/xyz.html

• Pros : Automatic SEO benefit coming from established domain website
            Ease of setup
            Easier to give visibility
• Cons : No separation form domain website

Sub-folders should always be preferred, unless there is a valid reason why the subject merits a separate website. In this case, it should always be a sub-domain of airbus.com

Even if, technically, .airbus is like any other TLD (like .com) it can only be used in specific cases, where security and full ownership are highly needed. Airbus employes only can request a .airbus domain name.

When can you use it:

• Non-public
• Behind login
• B-to-B context only

Examples of use:

• Platform for Innovation
• Connected services
• Provide content to customers / partners

    emirates.airbus : entry point for all digital services offered to a dedicated customer

    skywise.airbus : portal solution for all partners and customers

Main advantages to use this extension are :

• Ownership: .airbus can only be owned by Airbus
• Security: we have the full control of the domain
• Branding: provide clear indication of authenticity
• Budget: no additional direct cost (up to 500 domain names) and with “regular“ traffic
• Speed: easy and quick to create
• Easy URL to remember/use
• Trust from users : 100% sure that it belongs to Airbus

When can you NOT use it:

• Marketing/communication websites
• Promotional websites
• Public websites
• Email addresses

In some cases we have to use an hyphen (-) instead of a dot (.) - email addresses for example:
questions@customeraccess-airbus.com : here customeraccess is not a subdomain of airbus.com

If you use questions@customeraccess.airbus.com it is considered as a subdomain, there can be an issue to connect to the account

A new domain is also needed if a website is hosted on one network and the email on another one.