The world’s largest producer of aircraft celebrated a company milestone Monday in the Port City.
At an event that included elected, industry and business officials, Airbus announced it had produced Delta Airlines’ 100th U.S.-made Airbus A320 family aircraft.
“Delta has had a truly essential role in the growth story of Airbus in Mobile and manufacturing in the United States,” said Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO C. Jeffery Knittel. “Delta has recognized our commitment to providing modern, efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft to our customers and has determined we are the right partner for them.”
“It’s particularly special when we can deliver their aircraft from right here in the U.S.A.”
Delta’s Vice President of Fleet Kristen Bojko said the production of the 100th aircraft reiterates her company’s push towards being more fuel efficient and growing jobs in the US.
“Delta’s premium travel experience on our state-of-the-art fleet is made possible by manufacturing partners like Airbus,” she said. “The delivery of Delta’s 100th U.S.-produced A321 aircraft is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to flying more sustainable, fuel-efficient aircraft while investing in quality U.S.-based jobs.”
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson cited the company’s investment in the Port City and gave special credit to the residents employed by Airbus.
“I want to congratulate Airbus on this major milestone in their production for Delta and their growing operations in Mobile,” Stimpson said. “Over the last seven years of producing commercial aircraft in Mobile, Airbus has continued to invest in our community — taking our city from a newcomer in the aerospace manufacturing industry to one of the largest production hubs in the world.”
“Mobilians have helped Airbus deliver more than 375 aircraft to U.S. airline customers, and we look forward to delivering many more in the years to come.”
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) called the aircraft a testament to the Yellowhammer State and Airbus employees.
“This is an exciting day for Mobile and for our entire state,” she said. “I’m honored to join Airbus in celebrating this impressive milestone, which is further testament to Alabama’s worldwide reputation of 21st century, state-of-the-art manufacturing excellence. This landmark achievement is only possible because of the hard work, dedication and skill of the approximately 2,000 Airbus employees across Alabama.”
“On days like today, we look to the heavens filled with the belief that our potential has no ceiling – and our future is bright.”
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, who represents Mobile in Congress, credited Airbus for increasing the city’s role in the aerospace industry.
“I’m thrilled to join Airbus today in celebrating its 100th U.S.-produced A320 Family aircraft for Delta Air Lines,” he said. “From the first Mobile-built aircraft in 2016 till now, the Airbus team has made Mobile proud and continues expanding our legacy of being a major aerospace hub. Delta has placed its trust in the 1,600 Airbus employees who build world-class airplanes right here in south Alabama, and we are grateful for this continued partnership.”
“I congratulate Airbus on this important day, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth for years to come.”
Airbus began producing A320 family aircraft in Mobile in 2015 and delivered its first aircraft in 2016. Airbus announced the following year it would begin producing A220 aircraft at the same site, and delivered its first aircraft in 2020.
Since then, more than 375 aircraft (A220 and A320 family) have been delivered to 12 U.S.-based customers and operators, the company said. In 2022, Airbus announced a second A320 family assembly line in Mobile.
The company employs more than 1,900 people.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
