Impact of Airbus on Alabama’s Aerospace Sector
Airbus’s decision to establish its first commercial aircraft assembly plant in Mobile represented a significant turning point for the aerospace industry in Alabama. But, beyond the public ceremonies and media buzz, another development was quietly unfolding—the Aviation Training Center.
This modern facility was set up to cultivate a skilled workforce essential for Airbus’s success in the state. Opening in 2014, a year before Airbus began aircraft production, the center has emerged as a national benchmark for targeted workforce training that benefits the entire industry.
Just a short drive from the Airbus assembly line at Brookley Mobile Aeroplex, the $7 million Aviation Training Center is affiliated with the state’s leading workforce development agency, AIDT. It’s focused on equipping workers with the precise skills necessary to manufacture the A320 and A220 aircraft. From learning about aircraft system installations to mastering quality control, trainees get practical, hands-on guidance.
This kind of specialized training allows Alabama to not just provide a workforce, but a world-class one, aligning with the demands of global aerospace manufacturers. As Airbus ramps up production in Mobile and more companies consider expanding into Alabama, the training center is fundamental to sustaining this momentum.
According to Eren McNair, Alabama’s Secretary of Commerce, the Aviation Training Center exemplifies the state’s dedication to workforce excellence. McNair recently emphasized during a business development mission that this facility not only supports a top aerospace firm but also opens the door to quality, well-paying jobs for Alabamians. “For Alabama, the sky isn’t a limit; it’s just the beginning,” he noted.
The training center also symbolizes the lasting collaboration that has facilitated Airbus’s growth, with the company involved in numerous expansion efforts in Mobile since it began production in 2015.
Robin Hayes, president and CEO of North American Airbus, remarked on the commitment of Airbus to be a global player, particularly in Alabama. He made these comments at the Alabama Air and Space Reception in Paris.
Designed for Adaptability
What truly distinguishes the AIDT Aviation Training Center is its flexibility. As Airbus enhances operations and rolls out new aircraft models, the center is equally prepared to adjust its training programs to meet these changes.
The facility boasts an advanced simulation system that mimics a full-scale aircraft section and an Airbus production setup, allowing trainees to gain authentic experience and confidence. Furthermore, the curriculum is continually refined through direct collaboration with both Alabama’s Airbus Training Team and European Airbus Technology Training professionals. This approach keeps Alabama’s workforce aligned with industry needs, giving them a competitive edge in a fast-evolving sector.
Daryl Taylor, Senior Vice President of Airbus’s Commercial Aircraft Business in the U.S., praised the partnership with Alabama, emphasizing their shared investment in talent development. “When industry and government collaborate, we see remarkable strides in economic progress,” he mentioned.
The center also plays a crucial role in pre-employment assessments and ongoing training for Airbus employees and contractors at the factory. AIDT reports that nearly all of Airbus’s 2,000 employees have attended the center for practical assessments, orientation sessions, and training programs, including CPR instruction.
With over 220 pre-employment assessment sessions conducted for more than 1,700 job prospects, the center is pivotal in shaping Alabama’s aerospace workforce. Following the announcement of a 1,000-hire expansion project in 2022, the center has remained active, recently conducting classes for 32 new hires.
Ed Castile, Director of the Alabama Department of Commerce, pointed out that the center’s focus on industry-specific training is essential for sustainable economic growth—not just workforce development. He acknowledged that when Airbus chose Alabama for its assembly line a few years back, it brought numerous opportunities. With ongoing growth, even more lives will be transformed.
In Castile’s words, Airbus is a significant partner, and with the company ranking among the leaders in aviation, its presence aligns Alabama with several other top-tier global businesses. “It’s a blessing to work alongside them every day—not just in commerce, but as friends,” he added.
