Major fire to delay Airbus production
Premium Aerotec, a subsidiary of Airbus based in Augsburg, Germany, was left without their plant on Friday night when a fire broke out, causing tens millions of euros worth of building and equipment damage.
Preliminary reports from witnesses and media indicate the fire initiated in a surface treatment area before rapidly spreading to nearby goods. At the time, no one was in the building, leaving no injuries behind, however dozens of firefighters spent the night in the heat battling the blaze until it was under control.
Investigations are underway as to what caused the fire, specifically focusing on workplace safety and conditions as well as any intentional acts.
As a consequence of this fire, Airbus has been left in a difficult position as they state “virtually all Airbus models” will now be delayed. With Premium Aerotec being a tier-one supplier for Airbus, the company has no choice but to accept the delays and scramble their backup plans into place.
The fire-claimed facility specializes in producing completed fuselage and aircraft sections for Airbus defense and commercial offerings, including the A400M, Eurofighter Typhoon and A350. Award winning titanium and composite components have been produced at the facility, which are all implemented on the mentioned aircraft.
In statements to media, Airbus has outlined the delays could last several months before parts at the Augsburg plant could be completed and installed into aircraft pieces.
With over 4000 employees situated at the plant, Airbus will have to utilize them to get things temporarily up and running before the plant can be restored and outfitted with replacement equipment. Options include moving operations to Premium Aerotec’s other facilities in Romania and four others in Germany.
Airbus is already under enough pressure, with engine issues causing strife withn the A320neo Family. Workers are hammering away harder than ever with the push to meet the company’s 2018 goal of 800 aircraft – a reduction from the 820 figure. Additionally, Airbus has included the A220 to cover up potential shortfall in deliveries.
Despite these unfortunate events, Airbus remains positive about 2019, stating the hunt for orders is on and greater developments within the company are being prepared. Additionally, work on the A220 program is said to dramatically increase, with smoother production and new facilities being developed.