Mobile, Alabama welcomed Airbus to the Brookley Aeroplex in 2007, as an engineering facility, Mobile Engineering Center, with approximately 35 employees that have increased to a staff of 220 today. That relationship has evolved into a new home for the A320 Family assembly line, the first in the United States. A tremendous benefit to the economy and welcomed source of jobs, Alabama- a pioneer in aerospace from the Wright brother's airplanes to Warner Von Braun rocket engines and missile defense- is a great partner.
While the growth rate of the North American market is less dramatic than in some expanding regions of the world such as China and India, the U.S. and Canada have the highest percentage of existing aircraft that will need to be replaced in the coming decades. Specifically, 41 percent of the aircraft currently in service in North America will need to be replaced over the next 20 years - greater than in any other region of the world.
Airbus is making history with its decision to create an A320 Family jetliner final assembly line at Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile, Alabama, which will become company's first U.S.-based production facility. This game-changing plan was announced on July 2, 2012 by the Airbus senior management team during a special event held in Mobile, with the presence of Alabama officials, airline customers, industry suppliers, Airbus employees and local guests.-Airbus 3D graphic
Situated on Mobile Bay adjacent to the Port of Mobile will enable Airbus to deliver fully equipped aircraft sections from the European continent to Brookley Aeroplex via standard freight container ships - which is similar to the process used for its other A320 Family final assembly line located outside of Europe, in Tianjin, China. Some U.S.-origin parts for jetliners built at Brookley Aeroplex will be supplied directly to the facility using the Class 1 network of railroads and interstate road system that serve the region. The aircraft will be assembled, painted, flight tested and delivered from a fully functioning facility by 1,000 highly skilled American workers.
Airbus President & CEO Fabrice Brégier (at left) and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley pose for international journalists during the 2 July 2012 event announcing the new A320 Family jetliner production facility in Mobile, Alabama. -Airbus image
Construction of a 53 acre, $600 M assembly complex on the 116 acre site will begin in the first quarter of 2013. Aircraft assembly is projected to begin in 2015. By the year 2017, the facility is expected to produce between 40 and 50 aircraft per year.
VIPs who had attended Airbus' morning announcement at the Mobile Convention Center were accompanied by a ceremonial police escort along the four-mile distance to Brookley Aeroplex, where a family photo was taken in front of the awaiting jetliner, followed by a brief aircraft tour. JetBlue Airways President and CEO Dave Barger was on hand to welcome the group planeside, noting it was particularly appropriate for the aircraft to be on hand at today's event - as his carrier is the largest A320 operator worldwide. -Airbus image
"I want to thank everyone involved - from Airbus to our Alabama Department of Commerce to leaders of the City of Mobile and Mobile County. They, along with local economic developers and federal partners, helped bring this project home," Governor Bentley said. "We all worked together for a common goal, and success is the result. Airbus and its parent company, EADS, have been great citizens of Alabama for years, and we are excited to build on our wonderful relationship."
"This decision to assemble our popular A320 Family aircraft in the U.S. is great news for our industry partnerships in the U.S. and supports Airbus' strategy on several fronts," Airbus President & CEO Fabrice Bregier said. "The time is right for Airbus to expand in America," Bregier added. "Mobile is now becoming part of Airbus' global production network, joining our successful and growing assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse and Tianjin." -B Meyer, FMI: Airbus