Airbus Completes 500th Aircraft Produced at Alabama Facility

Airbus has reached a significant milestone at its U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama, with the completion of its 500th aircraft. The aircraft, an A321neo, was produced for Delta Air Lines and represents a major achievement for Airbus’s American operations. Executives and employees gathered at the facility to celebrate this “stellar milestone,” marking the growing importance of the Mobile plant within Airbus’s global production network.

The production of the 500th aircraft underscores the dedication and skill of the Airbus team in Mobile. Since its establishment, the Mobile facility has become a key component of Airbus’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the North American market. The plant specializes in assembling aircraft from the popular A320 family, which has become a cornerstone of Airbus’s operations in the region.

Expanding Production Capabilities

Two years ago, Airbus ramped up production at the Mobile facility as part of an aggressive growth plan. The company announced the addition of a third assembly line at the Brookley Aeroplex, located on the shore of Mobile Bay. This expansion allowed Airbus to increase its capacity for producing A320 and A220 aircraft, positioning the facility to play a critical role in meeting the company’s ambitious production goals.

According to Airbus’s Q2 2022 earnings report, the manufacturer aimed to produce 65 A320s per month by mid-2023, with plans to further increase production to 75 per month by 2025. This ramp-up was part of Airbus’s broader strategy to meet rising global demand for single-aisle jets, particularly the A321neo, which has been a strong performer in the market.

Airbus’s Market Leadership in Single-Aisle Aircraft

As of 2024, Airbus continues to lead the single-aisle aircraft market, holding a significant advantage over its main competitor, Boeing. According to Alton Aviation Consultancy, Airbus now commands an 80% market share in sales of large single-aisle planes, compared to Boeing’s 20% share. This 60 percentage point difference underscores Airbus’s dominance in this segment of the market.

Looking ahead, Airbus forecasts a demand for more than 42,000 new aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years, with 33,500 of these expected to be single-aisle jets. The Mobile facility’s role in this production will be crucial as Airbus continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. and meet the growing needs of the global aviation industry.

The completion of the 500th aircraft at the Mobile facility marks a significant achievement for Airbus and highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its production capabilities in the U.S. As demand for single-aisle aircraft continues to grow, Airbus is well-positioned to maintain its market leadership and meet the challenges of the future.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airwaysmag.com