The Airbus A321 was the first built for the European aerospace company at its US Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama.
In a flight lasting just over 3 hours, the single-aisle medium-range passenger jet was tested on the performance of its internal systems, engines and structures.
Following several more weeks of test flights, the craft will then be delivered to its final customer, Jet Blue.
“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 US Manufacturing Facility.
“The Mobile team has worked hard, and I’m proud that their skill and talent have brought us to this moment. Together we are fulfilling the promise we made to the city of Mobile, the state of Alabama, and the Gulf Coast region—we’re creating a new center of commercial aircraft production in the U.S. This is just the first of many aircraft to come.”
State politicians also lauded Airbus’s achievement, and the positive effect this would have on the local community.
“Aerospace and aviation industries are extremely important to Alabama, and it is exciting to know soon JetBlue will receive its first A321 proudly made in Alabama,” said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley in a statement.