With all the pop and circumstance of an Alabama Football game including cheerleaders and a full marching band from the University of South Alabama the two companies came together for a historic event at the Airbus U.S Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, AL.
The theme of the the day was “Airbus Delivers” and that they did as Jetblue became the first airline to take delivery of an aircraft built by Airbus in the United States. The entire team of more then 350 employees from the American assembly line gathered to present their very first completed plane. In a symbolic action the employees escorted the A321 across the tarmac from the production building to a delegation from Jetlbue including President and CEO Robin Hayes.
Just over four years ago, Airbus announced plans to build a single-aisle assembly line in Mobile, Alabama brining a huge boost to the economy of this gulf coast city. With the first Airbus 321 delivered airbus has nine other A320 family aircraft in production at the facility and hopes to deliver four aircraft per month.
JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes
John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers for Airbus
All in good fun John Leahy, Airbus COO told the audiance something we didn’t know about are chairs. “You’re sitting in the Boeing seats right now,” Leahy said, to laughter and applause. “The airbus seat on JetBlue is substantially wider.” obviously taking a shot at Airbus competitor and Boeing.
“I am immensely proud to be here to participate in this first delivery from Mobile,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “Going from breaking ground on this facility three years ago to handing over the first Alabama-produced A321 today is an amazing accomplishment. It’s a testament to how well executed this project was and how strong the teamwork has been here in Mobile and throughout Airbus. The Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility has brought together all the best aspects of our other assembly lines around the world, and it shows how Airbus people work hand in hand with our partners to deliver great aircraft to our customers.”
We were onboard as the aircraft was ferried from Mobile to Haeco’s facility in Lake City, FL. There, FlyFi inflight wifi and the remainder of the IFE system will be installed. Look for the newest A321 “BluesMobile” to begin revenue service in the next couple of weeks.
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