MOBILE, Alabama – Flight Works Alabama, an aerospace education center located near the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mobile, has launched its mission to inspire and equip future aviation workers across the region.
The 15,000-square-foot facility, which features more than 40 high-tech exhibits to provide a comprehensive look at the aviation and aerospace industry, officially opened its doors last week.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said Flight Works Alabama is an investment in the future of a key industry in the state.
“Aerospace is a premier industry, filled with innovative developments and high-demand jobs, which are sought after by every state,” Governor Ivey said. “Flight Works Alabama will become a hub to explore the opportunities of this industry.
“As our state continues to grow this sector, we must show Alabamians all the aerospace industry can offer them, today and in the years ahead,” she added.
EDUCATIONAL ASSET
Flight Works Alabama is a cooperative effort between the Airbus Foundation, the State of Alabama, and a group of educational partners and commercial sponsors.
In May 2017, Governor Ivey announced plans to build the center, with a goal to bolster Alabama’s workforce development efforts and inspire young people to pursue careers in aerospace. Construction started in 2018.
In addition to the exhibition space at Flight Works Alabama, a specially designed classroom, workshops, and fabrication areas provide the educational infrastructure needed to educate and train potential future aviation workers — from middle school age to veteran industry professionals.
The center has a heavy emphasis on commercial jet aircraft like those manufactured at the nearby Airbus manufacturing facility, where A220 and A320 family aircraft are produced.
“What Airbus and other companies in our industry need to be successful in the future is a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that is ready for that future,” said Jeff Knittel, Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO.
“Flight Works Alabama will help us create that workforce in a fun, creative way.”
Visitors to the center can engage in more than 50 experiences, including:
- Fly a virtual Airbus A320: take off, circle the city, and land at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley
- Take a spacewalk and install a virtual payload on the International Space Station
- Design an aircraft’s livery and paint it in a virtual paint shop
- Navigate a high-tech drone through an outdoor drone aviary
- Attend classes and field trips, participate in hands-on workshops, or earn valuable certifications
Tours of the Airbus final assembly line hangar will be available once health regulations permit.
