Airbus' long-range A350XWB aircraft and the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Advanced Tanker today came another step closer to reality in Mobile, Alabama, as Airbus North America's engineering center officially opened its doors.

At full capacity, the engineering center is slated to employ at least 150 engineers. Those engineers will be responsible initially for assignments related to Airbus' new A350XWB aircraft, including the design of cabin interiors, crew rest compartments, lavatories and galleys. It also is the first step in a potentially larger-scale industrial site to be built should the Northrop Grumman KC-30 advanced tanker cargo aircraft team, of which EADS is a principal subcontractor, receive an order to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling tanker fleet.

This news throws down a gauntlet to the Washington State crowd. Its a small gauntlet but sends the message. The news of this site playing a role in the A350 is very important given what is going on in Europe. It sends the message that even without the KC-30, this site has work to do.

There is no mention of the $14.4m in state and local tax breaks and allowances Airbus received from the State of Alabama, which undermines the standard arguments about the State of Washington giving financial breaks to Boeing. Also, the center does not bring the USAF tanker contract closer; or that financial aid is slated to go to beyond $100m if Airbus wins the tanker contract.

The A350 work there is low-key (all they are designing is overhead stowage bins) and their purpose is just to keep the building warm in the hope Northrop Grumman/EADS wins the tanker contract. It appears now the USAF is talking sole source for the first tranche and possibly a split for the second.

Tom Enders was invited to the opening, but not Mr. Gallois, who, of course, has more on his plate.

Airbus' long-range A350XWB aircraft and the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Advanced Tanker today came another step closer to reality in Mobile, Alabama, as Airbus North America's engineering center officially opened its doors.

At full capacity, the engineering center is slated to employ at least 150 engineers. Those engineers will be responsible initially for assignments related to Airbus' new A350XWB aircraft, including the design of cabin interiors, crew rest compartments, lavatories and galleys. It also is the first step in a potentially larger-scale industrial site to be built should the Northrop Grumman KC-30 advanced tanker cargo aircraft team, of which EADS is a principal subcontractor, receive an order to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling tanker fleet.

This news throws down a gauntlet to the Washington State crowd. Its a small gauntlet but sends the message. The news of this site playing a role in the A350 is very important given what is going on in Europe. It sends the message that even without the KC-30, this site has work to do.

There is no mention of the $14.4m in state and local tax breaks and allowances Airbus received from the State of Alabama, which undermines the standard arguments about the State of Washington giving financial breaks to Boeing. Also, the center does not bring the USAF tanker contract closer; or that financial aid is slated to go to beyond $100m if Airbus wins the tanker contract.

The A350 work there is low-key (all they are designing is overhead stowage bins) and their purpose is just to keep the building warm in the hope Northrop Grumman/EADS wins the tanker contract. It appears now the USAF is talking sole source for the first tranche and possibly a split for the second.

Tom Enders was invited to the opening, but not Mr. Gallois, who, of course, has more on his plate.