MOBILE, AL—An expansion project that will double the production space at Airbus’ assembly plant here is passing key milestones as it moves forward on schedule for completion next year.

Airbus recently held a “topping out” ceremony for a new A320 final assembly line (FAL) that’s under construction as the centerpiece of the expansion project, which launched in 2022. “Topping out” means that the last structural steel supports for the building have been installed, and the building can now be “topped” with exterior skin. Underground media channels and production floor slabs are in progress, and the building is expected to be ready for jigs and tools later this year.

In addition, construction was recently completed on two new paint shops at the Mobile campus. Located on the west side of the campus, these facilities will enable the campus to triple the amount of painting jobs it can complete each month.

Construction has also been completed on A320 hangar bays and new employee parking lots. The latter will be important, since Airbus is adding 1,000 jobs in Mobile through the expansion.

Completion of these projects supports Airbus’ goal to reach a production rate of 75 A320 aircraft per month worldwide in 2027.