MOBILE, Ala., Sept. 15, 2026 – To mark the 11th anniversary of its first commercial aircraft assembly line in Mobile, Flight Works Alabama (FWA) and Airbus announced several joint initiatives starting this academic school year that will inspire local students to learn more about aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student in our community has the access and encouragement needed to pursue an advanced manufacturing path, whether in aerospace or another local industry,” said Daryl Taylor, SVP of Commercial Aircraft Operations for Airbus in the US. “With our community and elected officials doing their part to bring quality jobs to South Alabama, we want to empower all students to ‘imagine what’s possible’ and see themselves in these rewarding manufacturing careers for decades to come.”

Structured around a three-pillar outreach framework, the “Imagine What’s Possible” initiative combines career exposure, hands-on technical learning, and financial support to ensure logistical hurdles do not restrict student success.

The initiative delivers impact through three targeted pillars:

As Alabama’s largest school district with nearly 50,000 students, Mobile County Public Schools is a critical partner in connecting area students to these interactive STEAM programs and manufacturing facility tours.

“Our goal is to make sure every student leaves Mobile County Public Schools prepared for college or career,” said Chresal D. Threadgill, Superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools. “Programs like ‘Imagine What’s Possible’ give our students an opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and see how it connects to careers and opportunities in the real world. We appreciate our community partners for investing in our students and helping them see the possibilities for their futures.”

Flight Works Alabama and Airbus have also partnered to support the new Aerospace Clubhouse at Pillans Middle School, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Alabama.

The clubhouse will provide middle school students with an interactive, after-school learning space featuring tailored STEAM activities, mentorship from aerospace professionals, and practical technical exercises.

“Flight Works Alabama and Airbus are joining forces to break down access barriers and connect classroom learning with real-world industry applications across Mobile and Baldwin counties,” said Mary Frances Clarke, Managing Director of Flight Works Alabama. “By introducing students to dynamic STEAM environments early, we provide crucial exposure to rewarding manufacturing and technical careers in our region. This partnership isn’t just about building aerospace talent, it’s about empowering local students with multiple pathways to success and driving the long-term economic growth of our entire community.”