Airbus Up Close And Personal

A new Airbus A220 passes over Fairhope the afternoon of APR 10 2025 while turning to land in Mobile following a test flight. Capable of seating between 100 and 150 people, the aircraft boasts higher fuel efficiency, making it attractive to airlines around the world. Airbus is under pressure to increase production rates of the aircraft. The company is reported to have more than 900 firm orders from 33 customers wanting A220s; Delta’s order of 145 is the largest, followed by 100 on order from JetBlue. Airbus builds the aircraft in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, and only a few miles from Fairhope in Mobile. The A220 has not been without problems. The Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines which power the A220 have experienced unexpected wear and durability problems, leading to increased inspection requirements. Korean Air, AirBaltic and Breeze have grounded their A220s because of issues involving the engines. Photo shot from Fairhope, about one mile from the aircraft…