Airbus A220 ramp-up leads to international charter flight at BFM

MOBILE, Ala. (August 23, 2022) – The first international flight from the Mobile International Airport (BFM) arrived Monday morning thanks to the Airbus A220 ramp-up. 

As the plane manufacturer prepares to increase production capacity of the A220 line, the company has initiated weekly shuttle flights between Mirabel, Canada, and Mobile International Airport to connect the two cities responsible for manufacturing the aircraft.

This initial flight demonstrates the benefits of having an international facility located near downtown Mobile.

“Several months ago, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved our name change from Mobile Downtown to Mobile International Airport. Our vision at the time was to accommodate international commercial service and general aviation,” said Chris Curry, Mobile Airport Authority president. “I am proud to see that the other benefactor is one of our major stakeholders Airbus. We are thankful for a great working relationship with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make this happen.”

The Mobile Airport Authority is moving forward with its plans to relocate all commercial air service from the Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to the Mobile International Airport (BFM) to attract more direct flights, lower fares, and low-cost carriers. The Authority intends to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new international terminal early next year or sooner.

###

About Mobile Airport Authority

The Mobile Airport Authority owns and operates Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), Mobile International Airport (BFM), Brookley Aeroplex and St. Elmo Airport, generating $1.8 Billion in economic value for Alabama. Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines serve the Mobile Regional Airport, providing direct service to four major hubs: Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and Houston. MOB is also home to Airbus Space and Defense.

BFM is located next to the Port of Mobile. The unparalleled geographical location supports the Authority’s multimodal ability to bring maritime, rail trucking, and aviation together in one area. BFM is also home to Airbus Final Assembly Line, Airbus Engineering, ST Aerospace, and Continental Motors.

The Brookley Aeroplex is an industrial complex supporting the operation of BFM. It is home to more than 90 businesses, including supply chain providers and others supporting the transportation industry.

St. Elmo Airport is located about 18 miles from the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley and is used mostly for corporate and private aircraft.

Download PDF