Facility Will Work On A350XWB, KC-30 Tanker

Airbus' upcoming A350XWB medium-range widebody and the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Advanced Tanker will soon have a decidedly American flavor, as Airbus North America formally dedicated its new engineering center in Mobile, AL.

During a grand opening ceremony at the Brookley Field complex in Mobile, Chairman of Airbus North America Allan McArtor acknowledged the significance of the Mobile facility to Airbus' overall growth in the US.

"Airbus has made a substantial commitment within the United States, where we spend billions of dollars with US-based suppliers, and where we already have four other centers of excellence. This engineering center is a further extension of that commitment," said McArtor. "We are proud of our partnership with Alabama and Mobile, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic welcome we have received. We're going to build great things together."

At full capacity, the engineering center is slated to employ at least 150 engineers. Those engineers will be responsible initially for assignments related to Airbus' new A350XWB aircraft, including the design of cabin interiors, crew rest compartments, lavatories and galleys. It also is the first step in a potentially larger-scale industrial site to be built, should the Northrop Grumman KC-30 advanced tanker cargo aircraft team be awarded the US Air Force contract to modernize the country's aerial refueling tanker fleet.

The ceremony was attended by many state and local officials and dignitaries, all of whom noted the importance of the engineering center to the US, Alabama, and Mobile.

"Thirteen short months ago, we stood here anticipating what might be, and today we are here celebrating what is now a reality," said Congressman Jo Bonner. "This facility demonstrates Alabama is quickly becoming recognized as a center of aerospace excellence. The decision to locate Airbus North America Engineering here makes me incredibly proud, and I thank EADS and Airbus for placing your confidence in Mobile and Alabama."

Airbus North America (ANA) Holdings supports Airbus customers in the United States and Canada.

FMI: www.airbus.com