Current and future generations of transport aircraft are characterized by a high level of automation. This automation is intended to assist the flight crew and make it possible for a crew of two persons to operate these aircraft for all types of flights, including those of extremely long duration. While one of the design goals of automation is to reduce crew workload, little is known about the true relationship between workload and automation. This paper discusses the approaches taken by Airbus Industrie when designing increasing levels of automation into their aircraft. It also addresses the Airbus program of workload research and the need to direct specific attention to the relationship between workload and automation.