0 Comments Airbus Broughton's new A321 wing facility (Image: Airbus) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A major investment is transforming Airbus’ former A380 wing plant into a new production line for the A321, creating new jobs in the Flintshire area.
The Broughton site in Flintshire will see £150 million invested to support the company’s growing global output, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Airbus is aiming to meet a backlog of around 7,500 A320 family aircraft, 70 per cent of which are A321s.
Jerome Blandin, head of Airbus Wing, said: "We aren't just talking about a ramp-up; we’re putting the infrastructure in place to support it.
"Around the world today, an A320 Family aircraft takes off or lands every two seconds, with wings designed and built in the UK.
"Investing in our capacity strengthens our industrial footprint, creates high value jobs that support the wider UK aerospace sector and ensures we remain competitive in the years to come.
"This investment is important for jobs, important for the region and important for our global ramp up towards rate 75."
The upgraded facility will house six wing production jigs, an equipping line, and a paint shop.
The Broughton site will also see the creation of around 480 new jobs in 2026, including 250 roles in the refurbished factory.
The company already employs 6,000 people at the Broughton site.
Construction of the first wing is already underway, and all jigs are set to be operational by the end of the year.
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The investment is part of Airbus’ broader strategy to expand its UK operations and follows a recent multi-million-pound commitment to its Belfast facility.
Improvements in Belfast will boost wing manufacturing and composite capabilities to support the A220 programme.
The Broughton project also includes input from employees, who have contributed to the design of ergonomic and technological upgrades in the new manufacturing environment.
