Thursday, Congressman and Senate candidate Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said that Airbus’s decision to expand “is exciting news.” Earlier that day, Airbus announced that Airbus will be expanding its operations in Mobile and adding an additional 275 jobs.
“Today’s announcement that Airbus will be expanding its Southwest Alabama footprint is exciting news and a further testament to the workers and pro-jobs culture of our community,” Byrne said. “This investment is yet another demonstration of Airbus’ long-term commitment to our region and our workforce.”
Byrne also praised the Trump Administration for the decision to exempt parts made in Europe, but destined to be used as parts on made in Alabama Airbus aircraft from anticipated tariffs against European built aircraft and aircraft parts.
“The Trump Administration’s initial decision to exempt parts and components used at Airbus Mobile from tariffs is driving huge demand for our American made Airbus planes,” Byrne said. “I look forward to continuing advocating for the men and women who work at Airbus Mobile and thank President Trump and his administration for their eagerness to work with me and other leaders to benefit Alabama workers.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter, “Much of the job creation around the United States can be credited to tax and workforce development policies initiated by the Trump Administration. Add that to the State of Alabama as well as our congressional delegation’s abilities to work with industry, and we truly have an environment conducive for business.”
“One year ago, Alabama celebrated Airbus’ construction of a new A220 aircraft manufacturing facility in Mobile,” Dr. Jones added. “Airbus’ latest announcement involving the increased production of the A320 aircraft is testament to the quality and skilled workforce we have in our state and demonstrates Alabama’s position as a global leader in the aviation and aerospace industry.”
State Representative and Congressional candidate Chris Pringle (R)said, “As your next congressman, I’ll always seek opportunities to bring new business to our area and help the great ones like Airbus already located here to thrive and expand. Southwest Alabama is open for business!”
Airbus announced in a statement, “Here we grow again! We’re excited to announce that we are expanding our industrial footprint in the U.S.! By the start of 2021, we will increase production of A320 family aircraft at our Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile to seven per month. This increase, and continued recruiting for the A220 manufacturing team, will result in an additional 275 jobs added at the Alabama-based facility over the next year! We are also investing another $40 million through construction of a new support hangar on the site, bringing our total investment to more than $1 billion in the Gulf Coast city!”
Recruiting Airbus to the Mobile area, was one of the biggest accomplishments of the Robert Bentley (R) administration.
The Mobile factory at historic Brookley Field is Airbus’s first North American assembly plant.
Airbus still faces a potential hurdle with the tariffs on European aircraft parts. It was just the preliminary ruling that parts destined for aircraft assembled in Mobile be exempted. If that changes in the final rule, then Airbus could potentially shift production to Canada. The Mobile County Commission is considering a resolution in support of Airbus and Alabama’s aerospace industry. The Baldwin County commission has already passed a similar resolution.
Congressman Byrne is not seeking another term representing Alabama’s First Congressional District. He is running for the Senate seat currently held by Doug Jones (D) instead. The Republican primary is March 3.
