The new Airbus FAL at Toulouse will contribute to the ongoing production rate ramp-up of the A320 Family jets to 75 per month by 2026, while addressing the increased demand for A321s.
Airbus, the renowned aircraft manufacturer, has inaugurated its new A320 Family final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including French Minister of Economy & Finance Bruno Le Maire, French Transport Minister Clément Beaune, Minister of State for Industry Roland Lescure, and Minister of State for Territorial Collectivities and Rural Affairs Dominique Faure, alongside hundreds of Airbus employees.
The new A321-capable final assembly line marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Airbus’ global industrial system. It will contribute to the ongoing production rate ramp-up of the A320 Family aircraft to 75 per month by 2026, while addressing the increased demand for A321s, which currently represent around 60 percent of the total A320 Family backlog.
The new final assembly line is located in the former A380 “Jean-Luc Lagardère” assembly building. Initial operations began at the end of 2022 with the delivery of the first fuselage sections. The roll-out of the first fully assembled aircraft, an A321, is expected to take place by the end of this year. Over the next few years, the industrial site will gradually increase its operations and will employ approximately 700 workers by 2025.
Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus said, “The inauguration of this new A321-capable final assembly line in Toulouse represents another milestone in the ongoing modernisation of our global industrial system. This FAL will contribute to the ongoing production rate ramp-up to 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2026, while meeting the increased demand for A321s which currently represents around 60 percent of the total A320 Family backlog. We’re pleased to see this new facility join our worldwide network of final assembly sites which will comprise four FALs in Hamburg, Germany; two in Toulouse, France; two in Mobile, United States; and two in Tianjin, China, all capable of assembling the A321.”
The A320 Family final assembly line incorporates various innovations aimed at maximizing product quality, efficiency, and setting new standards for health, safety, and sustainability. These innovations include digital production control, where tablets and smartphones are used to reduce paper consumption, automated logistics for parts distribution, and the use of lightweight robots for joining sections. These advancements reflect Airbus’ commitment to technological progress and its dedication to ensuring the highest standards in its aircraft assembly processes.
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The inauguration of the A320 Family final assembly line in Toulouse demonstrates Airbus’ continuous efforts to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for its aircraft. With multiple assembly sites strategically located across the world, Airbus is well-positioned to address market requirements and maintain its position as a leading aircraft manufacturer. The company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability ensures that it remains at the forefront of the aviation industry, meeting the evolving needs of its customers while setting new industry standards.
