Airbus unveils the construction of its new A220 manufacturing facility

Airbus’ manufacturing growth in the US has stepped up a gear, launching a ground-breaking ceremony of its new A220 manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. The assembly line will satisfy growing demands across the US for the A220 aircraft, the newest offering in Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line.

The new assembly line, the company’s second US based commercial aircraft production facility, will be located at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley adjacent to the A320 Family production line and will facilitate assembly of A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft for US customers. Aircraft production is planned to begin in Q3 2019; with first delivery of a Mobile-assembled A220 aircraft scheduled for 2020. The new A220 production facilities will be complete by next year.

Airbus aircraft continue to be utilised by the largest airlines across the US. The company is a major partner of US aerospace companies and workers, where it has spent $48bn in the country with hundreds of suppliers in over 40 states.

“Airbus’ growth plans will not only create new jobs for Alabamians but also strengthen the bonds that have developed between the global aerospace company and our state,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Alabama has a long history in flight and, as this project shows, a bright future in the aviation industry.”

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Supporting more than 275,000 American jobs, US Airbus has engineering centres in Kansas and Alabama; a major training facility in Florida and soon one in Colorado. It also has materials support and headquarters in Virginia; an A320 Family assembly line delivering aircraft in Alabama; an innovative think tank (A3) in California; a drone data analysis business (Airbus Aerial) in Atlanta, Georgia; helicopter manufacturing and assembly facilities in Texas and Mississippi; and a satellite manufacturing facility (OneWeb) in Florida.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market; it continues to provide optimum fuel efficiency and true widebody comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. With a range of up to 3,200 nm (5920 km), the A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

“Airbus’ decision to launch production of A220 aircraft at a new assembly line in Mobile will act as a powerful catalyst for sustained growth in an industrial sector that is key to Alabama’s future,” Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, Greg Canfield added.