Step-change in Efficient Production (StEP)

The current wing production system for the Single Aisle (SA) family of aircraft is based on a concept that can be traced back to the 1970s when production of the first Airbus Airliner, the A300 began. Whilst this has served Airbus well, being refined and improved over time, today the system is quickly reaching its limits and opportunities for the Broughton plant to reduce recurring costs whilst increasing build capability are rapidly decreasing.
Considering this and with the continued strong market demand for SA aircraft (hence wings) in mind, Airbus has embarked on an exciting project to develop an innovative new way of assembling SA wings. Although in the initial stages of development, first indications are extremely encouraging and Airbus is confident the new manufacturing system has the potential to deliver a ‘step change’ capability to wing production in Broughton by helping the plant increase its rates of production in parallel to improving cost performance, thus further enhancing the wing competence for the UK. Fundamentally, this will ensure the Broughton plant, which manufactures the wings for all Airbus commercial aircraft, is well positioned to capture the opportunities associated with a strong customer demand for SA aircraft and potential future demands for production rate increases.