Protracted longshoremen strike could cause trouble for Airbus in Mobile: analysts

If a US dockworkers’ strike continues for more than a few weeks Airbus could start experiencing shortages of structural components used to assemble A320neo-family jets in Mobile, Alabama, possibly disrupting production. That is according to aerospace analysts, who say the impact of the strike – the latest of several major walkouts sweeping the USA – will likely not be felt immediately by Airbus. But should the strike prove lengthy, Airbus could find itself short of major A320neo structures in the USA. The company and its suppliers manufacturer those structures in Europe, then ship them via ocean freight to the Port of Mobile. “If it is a long strike, there could be some shortages at the Mobile production facility,” says aerospace analyst Alex Krutz with Patriot Industrial Partners. “It’s a very real possibility that certain components or structures are not available”.“If it’s a short strike, most likely there’s enough inventory on hand and within the region to be able to support production,” he adds. Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association walked off the job on 1 October, disrupting shipping at major ports from Maine to Texas, including the Port of Mobile. US West Coast ports are unaffected. The dockworkers’ union is seeking raises – of up to 77% over six years, according to reports – from the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents marine terminal operators, port associations and ship operators.<br/>