MOBILE, Alabama – An A321 wearing the bright yellow of Spirit Airlines was delivered to Spirit employees today during a ceremony that marked a “double milestone” for the Airbus Alabama operation.
The aircraft was the 10th produced at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Mobile and the first delivered to Florida-based Spirit Airlines, a major customer. Spirit sent 140 employees to the delivery ceremony at Mobile Aeroplex.
“It’s very exciting. Today is a double milestone,” Daryl Taylor, general manager of the Airbus Alabama facility, said in a Periscope interview broadcast on Airbus social media. “Though 10 may not be a big, major milestone in terms of Airbus’ history, in terms of Mobile and our facility here, it’s a major milestone and a step along the long journey toward further milestones.”
Spirit President and CEO Bob Formaro said the company “was thrilled to add our first American-made aircraft to the Spirit family.” The airline is expected to take delivery of at least one more Alabama-made Airbus plane this year.
