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Mobile - Airbus inaugurated operations at its first ever US manufacturing facility on Monday.
The plant, situated in Mobile, Alabama and with a team of more than 250 Airbus manufacturing employees, assembles the family of A319s, A320s and A321s.
“With the addition of our US facility to our production network in Europe and Asia, we have strategically expanded our worldwide industrial base,” said Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier.
“The Airbus US manufacturing facility is an important step forward in Airbus’ strategy. It enables us to grow our already significant presence in America – the largest single-aisle aircraft market in the world – and to be closer to our US customers and key supplier partners."
Airbus announced plans for the $600m US manufacturing facility in 2012, and construction began at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley the following year. The first US-made Airbus commercial aircraft – an A321 – is scheduled for delivery next spring.
By 2018, the facility will produce between 40 and 50 single-aisle aircraft per year. Airbus’ market forecast indicates a demand over the next 20 years (from all manufacturers) for some 4 700 single-aisle aircraft in North America alone.
Airbus also announced on Monday that Wizz Air, the largest low cost carrier serving Eastern and Central Europe, has firmed-up a commitment signed in June at Le Bourget International Paris air show for 110 A321neo aircraft.
The agreement is the largest single order for the popular A321neo ever. The deal pushes firm NEO orders above 4 300 aircraft. This order includes the latest A321neo Airbus Cabin Flex configuration with 239 seats in 18 inch comfort standard.
The order also represents additional work for Airbus’ suppliers in South Africa, like the Centurion-based Aerosud, which makes wing components and avionics bay racks for this specific aircraft type and Cape Town-based Cobham SA, which makes satellite communications antennae.
