Airbus celebrates 100th US-produced A321 for Delta Air Lines

Airbus has celebrated production of Delta Air Lines’ 100th U.S.-made Airbus A320 family aircraft at the manufacturer’s facility in Mobile, Alabama. On hand for the occasion were executives from Airbus and Delta Air Lines; U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) representing the people of Alabama; Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson; other elected officials, and representatives of the more than 1,600 employees at the facility.

The milestone comes nearly seven years after Delta’s first delivery from Mobile, which took place on Dec. 2, 2016. At the time, that aircraft was the 15th aircraft overall to be delivered from the facility. Since then, more than 375 aircraft (A220 and A320 family) have been delivered to 12 U.S.-based customers and operators.

“Delta has had a truly essential role in the growth story of Airbus in Mobile and manufacturing in the United States,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, chairman and CEO, Airbus Americas Inc. “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 premium travel experience on our state-of-the-art fleet is made possible by manufacturing partners like Airbus,” said Kristen Bojko, VP of Fleet for Delta Air Lines. “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.”

As of the March 31 Airbus Orders & Deliveries report, Delta is operating 60 A220 family, 270 A320 family aircraft, 63 A330s, and 28 A350s. The airline has another 212 aircraft on order – including A220, A320 family, A330, and A350 aircraft.

 “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,” said Sen. Britt.

Rep. Carl 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.”

Mayor Stimpson added, "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."

Airbus began producing A320 family aircraft in Mobile in 2015 and delivered its first aircraft from its U.S. facility in 2016. In 2017, Airbus announced it would begin producing A220 aircraft at the same site and delivered its first aircraft in 2020. In 2022, Airbus announced it would build a second A320 family assembly line in Mobile.

The company currently employs more than 1,900 people in its production, engineering, and U.S. Space & Defense MRO facilities in the Port City. In addition, some Airbus suppliers have opened facilities in the region, providing even more employment and a parallel boost to the local economy.