Airbus chairman: 'This is a big deal'

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - The chairman of Airbus Americas was in the Port City Friday, and FOX10 got the chance to talk to him about jobs with the airplane manufacturer.

Jobs he said will stay in our neck of the woods.

Airbus Americas posted its first two job opening for the assembly plant in Mobile the week of November 5.

Chairman Allan McArtor said more than 100 people have applied for the director of human resources position alone.

"This is exactly what we expected. This is a big deal, and a lot of people want to be a part of the big deal," said McArtor.  "Companies and individuals, it is going to be fun putting it together."

News of the job postings come as McArtor predicted that Mobile will be, "an epicenter for commercial activity," for Airbus Americas operations.

However, some are concerned the highly skilled, high paying jobs will go to people outside of our area or even outside of the country.

McArtor said when it comes to hiring people for the new plant, it will focus on three groups, Alabama, the Gulf Coast and the United States, in that order.

Mcartor encourages people to check the website and send in an email if you are interested in a job.

However, he said do not go to the Engineering Center at Brookley Field and turn in an application.

"Our engineering center cannot accept resumes," said McArtor.

Airbus' first U.S. manufacturing plant will be located at Brookley Field.

Mobile-based Watermark Design Group was chosen to design the first structure associated the planned $600 million plant.