First ‘Made in the USA’ Airbus Flies

The first Airbus jetliner produced in the United States has successfully completed its first test flight, launching a new era for the European conglomerate, which is proudly flaunting its “Made in the USA” milestone.

The Airbus A321 took off from the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, Alabama, at 9:36 a.m. on Monday, performed its planned test sequence, including systems, engines and structure performance, and landed at 1:02 p.m.

More than 300 Airbus employees who work at the Mobile factory cheered as the airplane took off. The A321 is destined for JetBlue.

"We've come to an exciting milestone in the production of any aircraft, but this one is particularly special," said Daryl Taylor, vice president and general manager of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility.

While the Airbus was assembled in Alabama, in actuality components and structures for the airliner are produced at multiple sites around the world.