In Their Own Words: Customers And Suppliers Applaud Airbus Decision

The following comments provide examples of airline and industry supplier reaction to Airbus' announcement of its new A320 Family final assembly line in the United States, to be located at Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile, Alabama: 

Richard Anderson, CEO, Delta Air Lines:"Delta is one of the largest operators of Airbus aircraft in the U.S., and our A319, A320 and A330 fleets are popular with customers. After 2016, it will be great to see the A320 family of aircraft delivered from here in the U.S."

Ben Baldanza, CEO, Spirit Airlines: "Spirit congratulates Airbus on its decision to begin assembling its energy efficient and customer appealing aircraft in the United States. Spirit is growing and will take delivery of many new Airbus airplanes in the coming years, and we look forward to our first delivery from this new Mobile facility."

Dave Barger, President and CEO, JetBlue Airways:  "On behalf of JetBlue's 14,000 crewmembers, I extend our congratulations to our business partner Airbus on today's exciting announcement.  JetBlue is the largest A320 operator in the world, and as an airline focused on serving the Americas, it's wonderful to welcome production of this aircraft to our own shores. Airbus has always created jobs in America - first with helping to create 14,000 JetBlue crewmember positions, and now with this manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama." 

Bryan Bedford, Chairman, Frontier Airlines: "I am thrilled that Airbus has taken this monumental decision to develop a state of the art, world-class aircraft manufacturing facility in the United States.  This is the perfect fit of a great airframe design combined with some of the most skilled workers on the planet.  I can't wait to receive our first A320neo aircraft from the Mobile facility."

David Cush, President and CEO, Virgin America: "As one of the few growing domestic airlines and the launch customer for the A320neo, we are pleased that Airbus is continuing to invest in the assembly of its next generation A320 family aircraft here in the U.S.  The low operating costs, cabin comfort and carbon-efficient design of our all Airbus A320 Family fleet has helped fuel our success and growth to date - including the creation of 2,600 new airline jobs since our 2007 launch. It will be great to see these aircraft delivered here in America after 2016."

Tom Horton, Chairman and CEO, American Airlines:  "American applauds Airbus' decision to expand its production of world-class aircraft to America.  Our landmark fleet deal last year for hundreds of aircraft puts American on track to have the most modern, fuel-efficient fleet among its peers.  Airbus A320 family aircraft will be a big part of this transformation starting next year." 

Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO, US Airways:  "We're excited that Airbus is building their newest, world-class assembly facility in the United States. This plant brings nearly 1,000 jobs for people who will build some of the most advanced and efficient aircraft available today.  We value our long-standing relationship with Airbus and applaud their initiative to create jobs in the United States."

David Hess, President, Pratt & Whitney: "Today's announcement by Airbus is great news for the American aerospace industry and American workers.  Pratt & Whitney looks forward to building on our longstanding partnership with Airbus and powering many of the aircraft being assembled in Mobile."

Dawne Hickton, President & CEO, RTI International Metals: "RTI is proud to be Airbus's North American titanium supplier for over 40 years, and our growing partnership is an important part of our future.  We applaud the decision of Airbus to establish a U.S. manufacturing center in Mobile, Alabama - an economic zone with great potential.  Becoming an industrial citizen of America is an important strategic step for Airbus and it supports RTI jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Connecticut, Missouri and Texas."

Clay Jones, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Collins: "In today's global aerospace environment, building and maintaining close relationships - which many times means local relationships - are extremely important for future growth. Airbus' new phase of growth in the U.S. will allow for greater collaboration and efficiency with top-tier suppliers like Rockwell Collins, and provide valuable job opportunities for the U.S. aviation workforce."