Delta getting Mobile-built A321s

A321ceo with Sharklets. Airbus image

Delta Air Lines is ordering 15 A321 aircraft to offset jet retirements, and many of them will be built and delivered at the new plant in Mobile, Ala., according to Airbus. Delta is going with the current engine option, selecting CFM56-5B engines from CFM International, a joint venture of Snecma (Safran) and GE, to power the new planes, slated to be delivered starting in 2018. All the planes will have Sharklets. The Mobile plant has begun the hiring process, and aircraft assembly will begin there next year. By 2017, the Mobile facility is expected to produce four aircraft per month. (Source: Airbus, 06/02/14)