Airbus invests $200m to convert A380 wing plant for A321

Airbus is investing more than $200 million to transform a former A380 wing production site in Broughton, Wales, into a new assembly line for A321 wings. The planemaker announced the project on September 21, 2026, stating it is a critical part of its industrial strategy to reach a global production rate of 75 aircraft per month.

According to the company, the first wing is already in production at the refurbished facility. All six of the new production jigs are expected to be fully operational before the end of the year. Airbus described the expansion as a significant boost for the UK's aerospace industry.

Facility details and production backlog

The converted facility will include an equipping line and a paint shop. Airbus stated this new infrastructure is specifically designed to help clear the substantial order backlog for its A320 Family of aircraft. The company reports a backlog of approximately 7,500 aircraft for the family, with the larger A321 model making up about 75% of those orders.

Jerome Blandin, Head of Airbus Wing, emphasized the scale of current operations. "Around the world today, an A320 Family aircraft takes off or lands every two seconds, with wings designed and built in the UK," he said. Blandin added that the investment strengthens Airbus's industrial footprint and ensures its future competitiveness.

Job creation and regional impact

The project includes a major recruitment drive. Airbus is looking to add 480 new positions at Broughton in 2026, with 250 of those jobs located within the converted A380 facility. This expands the current workforce of around 6,000 employees at the site.

The company said this hiring signals its long-term commitment to Wales and reinforces the UK's role as a critical hub in global aerospace. The union Unite welcomed the news. Rhys Mccarthy of Unite congratulated union members at Airbus and noted the union's approval of the £150 million investment and the creation of nearly 480 new jobs.

Related expansion in Belfast

This development follows another recent Airbus expansion announcement in the UK. In August 2026, the company began construction on a 6,221 square meter extension at its wing production facility in Belfast.

That project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028. The expanded Belfast site is intended to support the planned production increase for the smaller A220 aircraft, aiming for a rate of 13 aircraft per month. Anthony Rouse, Head of the Airbus Belfast Plant and Site, said enhancing the wing facilities is a direct investment in the future of A220 production there.

Airbus continues to reshape its manufacturing network, moving capacity from its discontinued double-decker jet to meet soaring demand for its single-aisle workhorses.