First US-produced Airbus jetliner takes flight

Mobile, Alabama – The first Airbus jetliner produced in the U.S. Manufacturing Facility has flown for the first time. The A321, destined for JetBlue, took off from the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, Alabama, at 9:36 a.m., March 21, 2016, performed its test sequences, and landed safely at 1:02 p.m. 

 

The aircraft was flown by Test Pilots Mark McCullins and Bruce Macdonald. They were accompanied on the flight by Flight Test Engineers Thierry Cros and Nick Picconi, and Ground Test Engineers/Cabin Specialists Alexander Gentzsch and Mike Johns. During the 3 hour, 26 minute-flight, the crew performed tests on systems, engines, and structure performance.

 

More than 300 employees who work at the facility cheered as the plane took-off. 

 

“We’ve come to an exciting milestone in the production of any aircraft, but this one is particularly special,” said Daryl Taylor, vice president and general manager of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility. “The Mobile team has worked hard, and I’m proud that their skill and talent have brought us to this moment. Together we are fulfilling the promise we made to the city of Mobile, the state of Alabama, and the Gulf Coast region – we’re creating a new center of commercial aircraft production in the U.S. This is just the first of many aircraft to come.”

 

Following the maiden flight, the aircraft will go through a few more weeks in final production before being delivered to JetBlue.

 

The A321, the largest member of the A320 single-aisle aircraft family, offers a range of up to 7,400km (4,000nm), enabling it to fly longer routes such as Europe to U.S. The A320 family has more than 12,400 orders and close to 6,700 aircraft delivered to some 300 customers worldwide.