Airbus center marks 10 years

MOBILE, Ala. – Airbus Engineering Center Monday celebrated its 10th year at the Mobile Aeroplex with a tip of the hat to its workers and the major contributions they've made to the community. Company officials and political leaders gathered for the celebration of the center, established in Mobile in 2007 during a time when Airbus was competing with Boeing for an Air Force tanker project. That project went to Airbus in 2008, but under a new competition in the wake of a Boeing protest, the project eventually went to Boeing and Washington state in 2011. But Mobile ended up getting an A320 series jetliner assembly line, which is also at the Aeroplex. It produced its first jetliner in 2016. The engineering center, which started with 35 engineers, now has 220 workers. Site Director David Trent said they are hardworking, dedicated, tenacious and diverse, representing 25 countries. The center is involved in developing cabins for all Airbus aircraft with the exception of freighters. Barry Eccleston, CEO of Airbus Americas, said the engineering center is probably one of the most successful endeavors he's been involved in, exceeding his expectation. (Source: GCAC, 01/30/17)