Plans to ramp up production have been unveiled by Airbus in a move expected to boost job numbers by around 500 at its wing making plant in North Wales.
The latest plans were confirmed in the first quarter results for 2022 in which the aerospace giant reported consolidated revenues had increased 15% to €12bn and consolidated profits of €1,263m, nearly double the same period in 2021.
The positive outlook means Airbus is now looking at expanding production of the hugely popular A320 family. Production levels in the pandemic slumped, with monthly A320 rates going from 60 to 40.
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This saw job numbers at Broughton fall from around 6,000 to just over 4,000.
But they are now aiming for a monthly rate of 65 by summer 2023 and 75 in 2025. However the planned entry into service of the A321XLR has been pushed back from 2023 to early 2024 to meet certification requirements.
The latest investment boost has the potential to create between 450 and 550 new jobs at its Broughton facility.
Airbus said: “Following an analysis of global customer demand as well as an assessment of the industrial ecosystem’s readiness, the Company is now working with its suppliers and partners to enable monthly production rates of 75 in 2025. This production increase will benefit the entire global industrial value chain. Airbus will meet the higher production rates by increasing capacity at its existing industrial sites and growing the industrial footprint in Mobile, US, while investing to ensure that all commercial aircraft assembly sites are A321-capable.”
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething welcomed the investment boost for Broughton. He said: "This announcement is fantastic news for Wales. Airbus’ plans to increase wing production on Deeside will see a significant growth in the skilled workforce, alongside a huge investment from the company. This is a real vote of confidence in Wales and the talented workforce at Broughton.
“Airbus’ plans mean more made-in-Wales wings will fly on the very latest Airbus aircraft across the globe, sending a clear signal that Wales is a nation with a superb reputation for advanced manufacturing - which is only made possible thanks to our world class workforce.
“The Welsh Government will continue to work closely with Airbus to ensure we have the pipeline of skilled talent the company needs in order to grow its workforce in the years ahead.”
An Airbus spokesman added: "The planned production rate increase to 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2025, in close cooperation with our suppliers and partners, will benefit the entire global industrial value-chain. Airbus will meet the higher production rates by investing to increase capacity at its existing commercial aircraft assembly sites, including in the UK/Broughton, resulting in the creation of additional highly-skilled jobs and employment opportunities."
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said: "Airbus have confirmed they’re increasing production of single aisle commercial aircraft to 75 aircraft per month - a 40% increase. A huge vote of confidence in Wales as part of a global Britain."
