European aerospace firm Airbus announced a new partnership with Canadian aircraft producer Bombardier Monday evening that will bring assembly of Bombardier’s C-Series passenger jets to the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala.
Under the partnership, Airbus will acquire a 50.1 percent controlling stake in the C-Series production, a single-aisle plane typically seating 100 to 150 passengers
“This is a win-win for everybody! The C Series, with its state-of-the-art design and great economics, is a great fit with our existing single-aisle aircraft family and rapidly extends our product offering into a fast growing market sector. I have no doubt that our partnership with Bombardier will boost sales and the value of this programme tremendously,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders. “Not only will this partnership secure the C Series and its industrial operations in Canada, the U.K. and China, but we also bring new jobs to the U.S.”
Airbus announced it will also add another final assembly line for the C-Series at its factory in Mobile. The European aircraft giant first set up shop in Alabama in 2015.
“This is another great testament to the partnership between Airbus and its U.S industrial home in Mobile and Alabama,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This is a win-win for Airbus and Bombardier, as well as a positive development for Alabama’s prime trade partners in Canada and Québec.”
While details of the Mobile expansion have yet to be released, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson celebrated the Monday-night announcement on Facebook.
”There is no greater example of confidence than when a company of Airbus’ caliber decides to reinvest in Mobile. Not only will this new development increase jobs, but it will diversify the manufacturing operations at Brookley. Mobile is open for business!” Stimpson wrote in a post.
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, who represents Mobile, also celebrated the news.
“Tonight’s announcement from Airbus is a testament to the first-class workforce in Southwest Alabama and our pro-business culture. I want to share my deep appreciation with Airbus for their continued investment in Mobile and our community. This announcement is yet another step toward our region becoming a national and global hub for aviation excellence.”
