AVIATION NEWS- Airbus is accelerating its global industrial strategy, converting its former A380 wing production facility into an A321 line in Broughton, UK. Set to be completed by the end of the year, this latest investment ensures Airbus’ ‘Home of Wings’ is well prepared to meet future aircraft production targets.
The expansion is a significant boost for the UK aerospace industry capability. Once completed, the facility will host six wing production jigs, an equipping line and paint shop, specifically designed to feed the backlog of around 7,500 A320 Family aircraft, of which around 75% are A321s.
Across the Broughton site, the manufacturer has also created around 480 new, high-value jobs in 2026, including 250 positions in the refurbished factory. These roles join the 6,000 strong workforce in Broughton, signalling Airbus’ long-term commitment to Wales and reinforcing the UK’s position as a critical hub in the global aerospace industry.
At the heart of this investment is a new, advanced manufacturing environment, designed and built with direct involvement from operators across the site. Employees fed into the ergonomics and technology integration to shape the industrial system.
“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,” said Jerome Blandin, Head of Airbus Wing. “This investment is important for jobs, important for the region and important for our global ramp up towards rate 75.”
The first wing is already underway, with all jigs expected to be operational by the end of the year.
This latest investment builds on the recently announced multi-million pound investment in Airbus’ Belfast facility, which will expand the wing manufacturing footprint and advanced composite capabilities to support A220 ramp-up.
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