Airbus celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, rolling out its 500th aircraft manufactured in the United States from the company’s facility in Mobile, Ala. The A321neo, destined for Delta, marks a key achievement for the European manufacturer since establishing its U.S. assembly operations in 2015.
The company is currently expanding its Mobile facility with a third A320 Family final assembly line, scheduled to open next year. This expansion is expected to further bolster the company’s global production capacity.
“This 500th aircraft milestone belongs to our Airbus employees. Their relentless passion and hard work made this achievement possible,” said Daryl Taylor, Senior Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Operations for Airbus in the U.S., in a press release. “Our journey has also been supported every step of the way by our community, and by our customers who have put their trust in Airbus. We look forward to continuing to build safe, quality aircraft for our customers in the U.S. and Latin America.”
Delta has acquired over 130 aircraft produced in Mobile. Kristen Bojko, the airline’s vice president of fleet, praised the partnership with Airbus and the positive impact of the U.S.-built aircraft on the airline’s operations.
Local officials also expressed their enthusiasm for the achievement. Mobile County Commission President Randall Dueitt and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson highlighted Airbus’ significant contribution to the region’s economy and job creation.
“Airbus has been a valued addition to the City of Mobile and a model employer where many local families have launched long rewarding careers with the world’s commercial aerospace manufacturing leader,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “Congratulations to everyone at Airbus for achieving this significant 500 aircraft milestone.”
With over 2,400 employees in Alabama, Airbus is a major employer in the state.
