MOBILE, Alabama — The maiden flight of the first Alabama-made Airbus A321 lasted for less than four hours, but the dramatic images capturing the test mission will linger as a reminder of a pivotal moment in the future of the state’s aerospace sector.
Monday’s test flight from Mobile Aeroplex was designed to test the aircraft’s performance and systems, but its symbolic value was crystal clear.
“We’re building and flying now airplanes built in Mobile, Alabama,” Barry Eccleston, president of Airbus Americas, said after the A321 returned to Mobile Aeroplex.
“Airbus gives all Mobilians something that we can be very, very proud about,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson added.
The first Alabama-made A321, sporting JetBlue livery, cruises over Mobile on its initial test flight. (Image: Airwind via Airbus) The first Alabama-made A321 takes off for initial flight testing. (Image: Airbus) The maiden flight of the first Alabama-made Airbus aircraft begins at Mobile Aeroplex, home to the company’s new $600 million production facility. (Image: Airwind via Airbus) The first Alabama-made Airbus A321 lifts off from the runway at Mobile Aeroplex to start the airplane’s initial test flight. (Image: Airwind via Airbus) A U.S. flag waves from the cockpit of the first Alabama-made Airbus A321 after the test pilots complete the plane’s maiden flight. (Image: Airwind via Airbus)
The test flight of the first Alabama-made Airbus lasted more than 3 hours. (Image: Airbus) The flight crew of the JetBlue A321 pose for a picture after completing the plane’s initial flight test. (Image: Airwind via Airbus) The flight crew for the initial test flight pose in Mobile. (Image: Airwind via Airbus)
BRUNDIDGE, Alabama – Southern Classic Food Group LLC plans to invest an additional $14.2 million at its facility in Pike County, a project that is expected to add 82 jobs over the next two years. The company’s Brundidge operation supports the production of a variety of sauces, dressings and related food products for branded and private-label customers. Increased demand across key product lines is driving the expansion. The work will include adding manufacturing lines, upgrading equipment and supporting infrastructure, which will position the facility for continued growth and operational improvements. During 2025, Southern Classic became part of Trillium Foods LLC, based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, headed up by the Reddy family. “We’re excited to continue investing in our Brundidge operations and the Pike County community,” said Chuck Caraway, company representative. “This expansion supports growing demand across our product portfolio and allows us to enhance our capabilities, improve efficiency and better serve our customers. We appreciate the partnership from the state of Alabama and local leadership as we move forward with this next phase of growth.” The continued growth of Southern Classic in Pike County shows the company’s confidence in the local workforce and the overall vitality of the region, said Margaret Henderson, south rural development project manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Rural Alabama is home to vibrant businesses that prioritize innovation and high-quality products,” she said. “We know that the strong community support for Southern Classic will continue as the company enters this next chapter of growth in Pike County.” John Ramage, chairman of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation, said supporting and strengthening the local business community is at the core of the organization’s mission. “Southern Classic continues to play a significant role in our local economy, and we are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring for Brundidge and Pike County,” Ramage said. Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd said the company is a key contributor to the local workforce. “We are so excited about this expansion project with Southern Classic. They are one of our most important employers, and the city is very proud to partner with them to bring these 82 new jobs to our community,” Boyd said.
