[Ref Flight International Magazine 28Jan-3Feb 2020]

To increase A321 production capability, Airbus is converting its A380 facilities in Toulouse to accommodate a ­digitally-enabled A321 final ­assembly line.

It will introduce production of the A321 to Toulouse for the first time – Airbus’s largest single-aisle variant is currently built in Hamburg Finkenwerder and ­Mobile, Alabama.

The French site was selected for reasons of “overall competitiveness”, cost of investment and time to market, says Airbus, as well as available space. The ­company is winding down ­assembly of its A380 at Toulouse, following the decision to terminate production in 2019.

Airbus’s A321neo has proven particularly popular, accounting for 3,255 orders – or 45% of all commitments for the re-engined A320neo family.