Welcome order boost for Broughton’s Airbus wing-making factory

Workers at the Airbus wing-making plant in Broughton, near Chester, have received an orders boost after US airline Delta added a further 25 aircraft to an existing delivery.

It marks a return to something approaching normality after Airbus, and other plane makers around the world, suffered a collapse in work intake as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that led to international border closures and the grounding of nearly all aircraft for almost a year.

Airbus underwent a restructuring to combat the dearth in business, which included Broughton’s headcount dropping from more than 6,000 staff to just over 4,500.

However, Delta Airlines has placed a firm order for 25 A321neo (New Engine Option) aircraf, in addition to Delta’s 2017 order of 100 A321neo aircraft.

These planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Additionally, Delta has accelerated delivery of two A350-900 aircraft as well as two A330 900neo aircraft.

Mahendra Nair, Delta’s senior vice president-fleet strategy, said: “With our customers ready to reclaim the joy of travel, this agreement positions Delta for growth while accounting for the planned retirements of older narrowbody aircraft in our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, increasing efficiency and elevating the customer experience.

“We thank Airbus for their steadfast partnership during the pandemic and look forward to working with them as we take delivery of the A321neo as well as our accelerated A350 and A330-900neo deliveries.”