Airbus

French aerospace group Airbus has delivered an A321 aircraft manufactured at its facility in Mobile, Alabama, US, to American Airlines.

The first US-produced Airbus jet received by American Airlines, the newly delivered aircraft made its maiden flight this April.

Airbus opened the $600m Mobile facility last September, with expectations to deliver four aircraft a month from the plant by the end of next year.

The company initially intends to deliver the A320 family aircraft with current engine option (CEO) from the Mobile-based plant, but aims to start transitioning to new engine option (NEO) derivatives by late next year.

"The relationship between American Airlines and Airbus is a long and successful collaboration to provide the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for both of our customers."

Airbus Americas customers executive vice-president Bob Lekites said: "The relationship between American Airlines and Airbus is a long and successful collaboration to provide the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for both of our customers.

"American Airlines already operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and the largest A321 fleet. With this delivery, we are adding a very special aircraft to those already sporting the American livery – an Airbus aircraft built here in the US."

Airbus currently has manufacturing facilities in Mobile, Alabama; Hamburg, Germany; Toulouse, France; and Tianjin, China.

Last month, the company delivered its first aircraft build in the US to JetBlue.

Image: The newly delivered aircraft made its maiden flight this April. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.