TOULOUSE- European plane maker Airbus (EPA: AIR) has officially opened a new final assembly line for its A321neo passenger jet in Toulouse, France.
The inauguration occurred on Monday, breathing new life into a previously abandoned hangar that once housed the defunct A380 superjumbo. The move comes as Airbus capitalizes on the soaring demand for smaller medium-haul aircraft.
Airbus New A321neo Final Assembly Line
The new assembly line within the Jean-Luc Lagardere plant is expected to create 700 jobs by 2026. This marks a significant boost to the local economy, with approximately half the number of full-time jobs that were available during the A380’s production era.
The transformation of the plant underscores a notable shift in the aviation industry’s focus. As attention turns away from larger aircraft like the A380 towards more compact single-aisle designs.
These smaller jets have experienced a resurgence in popularity due to their extended range of capabilities and increased demand.
The A321neo represents the largest variant of Airbus’s A320 series. This series was relaunched in 2010 with new engines. Just in time to meet the surging demand fueled by favorable interest rates.
The Toulouse assembly line is the eighth in Europe dedicated to producing the A320 family. Subsequently, with plans for expansion in the United States and China, bringing the global total to 10.
The completion of the first aircraft is scheduled for late 2023, with delivery expected in the following year.
As Airbus and its arch-rival Boeing (NYSE: BA) intensify their competition, the focus has shifted to production strategies that enable efficient delivery of the growing backlog of orders.
Both companies are adapting their operations to ensure maximum efficiency after experiencing months of disruptive challenges.
Towards Higher Output
In Toulouse, the new assembly line in the world’s second-largest building will feature robotic pickers that select parts and tools for workers. At the same time, additional robots will be deployed to join different sections of the aircraft.
The inauguration of the new assembly line is part of Airbus’s larger reorganization plan aimed at increasing total A320-family output.
The company aims to raise production to 75 aircraft per month by 2026, a significant increase from the current rate of approximately 45 aircraft per month.
While some suppliers have expressed skepticism about achieving this ambitious target, Airbus remains committed to streamlining its operations and meeting market demands.
Acknowledging the A380’s Legacy
Although the focus has shifted to smaller aircraft, remnants of the A380 still linger. Reuters reported that a section of the plant has been set aside for an 18-month program of A380 inspections and repairs.
Wing spar cracks were discovered, prompting the need for thorough assessments and necessary maintenance. This demonstrates that while the A380 may be a thing of the past, Airbus continues to address its legacy with dedication and attention to detail.
As Airbus inaugurates its new assembly line for the A321neo in Toulouse, France, the company embraces the changing demands of the aviation industry.
By investing in smaller, more versatile aircraft, Airbus is well-positioned to meet the needs of a dynamic and evolving market.
The increased production capacity and efficient manufacturing processes demonstrate Airbus’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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