MOBILE, Alabama — The maiden flight of the first Alabama-made Airbus A321 lasted for less than four hours, but the dramatic images capturing the test mission will linger as a reminder of a pivotal moment in the future of the state’s aerospace sector.
Monday’s test flight from Mobile Aeroplex was designed to test the aircraft’s performance and systems, but its symbolic value was crystal clear.
“We’re building and flying now airplanes built in Mobile, Alabama,” Barry Eccleston, president of Airbus Americas, said after the A321 returned to Mobile Aeroplex.
“Airbus gives all Mobilians something that we can be very, very proud about,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson added.
Here’s a round-up of images from the maiden flight, courtesy of Airbus. (Get all the details from the test flight.)
The test flight of the first Alabama-made Airbus lasted more than 3 hours. (Image: Airbus)
The flight crew for the initial test flight pose in Mobile. (Image: Airwind via Airbus)
