Aerospace

Airbus delivers first aircraft from Alabama facility to non-US customer

Volaris, a Mexican ultra-low-cost airline, is the first airline based outside of the United States to receive an Airbus A320neo built in Airbus’ Alabama production site.

By May 30, 2023, Airbus’ North American operation in Mobile, Alabama, had built 385 aircraft from the A320 and A220 families. But up to this point, all 13 customers—US airlines—had received these deliveries.

Airbus delivers its first aircraft produced in the USA.(Opens in a new browser tab)

A third Final Assembly Line, is now being added as part of a proposal to expand Airbus’ Alabama business and boost A320 Family aircraft manufacturing.

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, the expansion will result in the creation of 1,000 jobs. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Airbus has sold more than 1,150 aircraft. In the region, more than 750 are in use, and another 500 are in the order backlog, accounting for a market share of approximately 60% of passenger aircraft now in service.

Congrats to #TeamAirbus in Mobile, Alabama for their first-ever delivery to an international customer! Mexican ultra-low-cost airline @flyvolaris — Latin America’s largest A320neo Family operator — has taken delivery of an #A320neo. pic.twitter.com/uUUuyOietT— Airbus in the U.S. (@AirbusInTheUS) May 30, 2023

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.