Pratt & Whitney, JetBlue Welcome European Planemaker To The Gulf Coast

Following Monday's announcement by Airbus that it plans to open an final assembly plant in Mobile, AL, congratulatory massages began to roll in from companies that do business with the European planemaker.

Pratt & Whitney provides engines for the entire Airbus A320 family of aircraft. Those include the PurePower PW1100G-JM engine and the V2500 engine through IAE International Aero Engines. "Airlines continue to recognize the tremendous value of the A320 aircraft as they upgrade their fleets.  Airbus' decision to open a new production facility and create high-tech jobs here in the United States is a very positive sign for the entire aerospace industry," said UTC Chairman and Chief Executive, Louis Chenevert. "I applaud the Airbus leadership team for their vision and long-term commitment to supporting customers in the United States and around the world."           

"Today's (Monday's) announcement by Airbus is great news for the American aerospace industry and American workers," said Pratt & Whitney President, David Hess.  "Pratt & Whitney looks forward to building on our longstanding partnership with Airbus and powering many of the aircraft being assembled in Mobile."

JetBlue, which operates a fleet of 123 Airbus A320 aircraft in a 150-seat configuration, was equally effusive. "On behalf of JetBlue's 14,000 crewmembers, I extend our congratulations to our business partner Airbus on today's exciting announcement," said Dave Barger, JetBlue Airways President and CEO.  "JetBlue is the largest A320 operator in the world, and as an airline focused on serving the Americas, it's wonderful to welcome production of this aircraft to our own shores. Airbus has always created jobs in America - first with helping to create 14,000 JetBlue crewmember positions, and now with this manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama." 

JetBlue supported the announcement with a specially chartered A320 aircraft, flown from the airline's Orlando focus city to Brookley Field. Last year JetBlue announced a new fleet order of 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2018.

FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com, www.jetblue.com