Airbus has started hiring factory workers at its planned Alabama A220 assembly site in advance of a goal to begin production there later this year.

In what Airbus calls a "first wave" of hiring, the company has started recruiting aircraft structure and installation mechanics, aircraft electricians and aircraft cabin furnishing installers, Airbus says.

Airbus seeks workers with at least two years of experience in aviation and aerospace production, though new workers will also receive several weeks of training, potentially including training at Airbus' primary A220 assembly site in Mirabel.

The call for candidates comes as Airbus prepares to break ground next week on construction of its planned Mobile A220 site. The site has been a key part of Airbus' plan since acquiring the A220 programme from Bombardier in mid-2018.

Initially, Airbus said the US assembly site would free it from the risk that the US government would slap the A220 – then called the CS100 – with hefty import duties.

US trade officials since threw out the potential duties, but Airbus still continued with its Mobile plans.

Airbus expects its Mobile site – located at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, adjacent to Downtown Mobile airport – will begin A220 production in the third quarter of 2019. Airbus also assembles A320-family aircraft in Mobile.

Source: Cirium Dashboard