As he walks the floor of the 2025 Paris Air Show, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson isn’t just attending another industry event — he’s closing a remarkable chapter in the city’s global aerospace journey.

This year marks his final European air show as mayor, and it comes at a moment of both pride and reflection.

Mayor Stimpson has witnessed firsthand the transformation sparked by Airbus’ arrival and expansion in Mobile. What began as a bold vision has become a defining force in the city’s economic narrative — elevating Mobile’s workforce, attracting international attention and reshaping the city’s industrial identity.

“It’s been personally gratifying and a privilege to be involved professionally,” Stimpson says. “Airbus has been an incredible boon to our economy, and it’s proven that Mobile’s workforce is ready for anything.

“It’s also been a transformational shift in the city’s image,” he adds. “Having Airbus come here and see the success that it has, really puts Mobile on the map in terms of global industry, and that has impacts far beyond the aerospace sector.”

But Stimpson is quick to credit the team effort that made it all possible. From the groundwork laid under the previous administration to the collaboration between the City, Mobile County, the Chamber and state and federal partners, the Airbus story has always been one of shared commitment.

“The baton was passed to me,” he says, “and I’ve been proud to support Airbus and to see its continued growth here in Mobile.”

In a conversation with Made in Alabama, Mayor Stimpson reflects on the milestones, partnerships and global recognition that have defined his tenure — and what it means to represent Mobile on one of the world’s biggest aerospace stages, one last time.

As you attend your final Paris Air Show as mayor, what stands out in your memory from past shows?

“For me, there isn’t a single ‘eureka’ moment that stands out. But by attending these shows consistently, Mobile’s leaders have been able to learn more about the industry — and just as importantly, help the industry learn more about Mobile.

“Going back to some of the earliest visits, it was incredibly important for the Mobile delegation to gain a better understanding of the aerospace industry. Having so many leaders from across aerospace — including Airbus — all in one place offers a great opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.”

How has the partnership between the City of Mobile and Airbus evolved over the years, and what do you think has made that relationship so successful?

“I think the relationship is stronger than ever, and there are several reasons for that. For one, every time we’ve partnered with Airbus, they’ve delivered and so has Mobile. The city, county, Mobile Chamber and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors are committed to making sure Airbus and other advanced manufacturers have the qualified, dependable workforce they need.

“After nearly a decade in operation, Airbus has proven they are more than a local employer — they are a neighbor. Their leadership is engaged and involved in our community, and they are fully invested in Mobile. As community leaders, it’s our responsibility to continue deepening that relationship so that Airbus and Mobile continue to thrive together.”

Beyond Airbus itself, how has their growth catalyzed development in the local aerospace and supplier ecosystem? What ripple effects have you seen?

“Since Airbus has been in Mobile, we have seen over 30 aerospace companies locate in support of their manufacturing operation. That doesn’t include the countless local companies that have been able to expand as they have seen more opportunities because of Airbus and Mobile’s growing aerospace sector. We have continued to see new capital development in industries and quality-of-life projects due to the growth of companies like Airbus in Mobile.

“Some examples included the South Alabama Logistics Park, the new passenger Terminal at the Mobile International Airport at Brookley Field and even the city’s new state-of-the-art entertainment venue, Mobile Arena, which broke ground last month. Taking on a project that large wouldn’t have been possible for the City of Mobile without the economic growth we’ve seen over the last decade, and Airbus has certainly been a big part of that.”

Mobile is now known internationally as a center for commercial aircraft manufacturing. What do you see as the next frontier for aviation and aerospace growth in the city?

“Because of Airbus, Mobile is well on its way to becoming the fourth-largest hub of commercial aerospace production in the world. For a city that had never built commercial airplanes until a decade ago, that’s truly remarkable — and it speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce.

”We fully anticipate continued growth in aircraft manufacturing here. As the next wave of technologically advanced and innovative aircraft are built, manufacturers will have a home in Mobile. Thanks to Airbus’ rise, we’ve continued to invest in our workforce, our industrial sites and our infrastructure to support the future of aerospace.

Looking ahead, what message would you like to leave with international aerospace leaders about Mobile’s long-term potential to the aviation sector?

“We’re committed to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive — and where their employees can build a great life. Beyond workforce development, that means investing in safe, strong and engaging communities where people want to live. We’re working on those things every day, through quality-of-life initiatives, infrastructure improvements and the development of workforce housing.

“In other words: Mobile is open for business.”

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.