Boeing and Airbus close acquisitions of major Spirit AeroSystems operations
Questions and Answers:
What did Boeing acquire from Spirit AeroSystems? Boeing acquired all Spirit commercial operations tied to Boeing programs, including 737 fuselages and major structures for the 767, 777 and 787, along with commercially procured fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46. Boeing also took over Spirit’s aftermarket businesses and the Belfast, Northern Ireland, site, which will operate as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
What did Airbus acquire from Spirit AeroSystems? Airbus acquired several Spirit facilities supporting Airbus commercial aircraft, including sites in Kinston, N.C.; Saint-Nazaire, France; Casablanca, Morocco; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Prestwick, Scotland. Airbus will also transfer A220 pylon production from Wichita, Kan., to Toulouse, France.
How will Spirit Defense operate after the transaction? Spirit Defense will continue supporting its defense customers as an independent supplier. It will act as a non-integrated subsidiary within Boeing Defense, Space & Security, maintaining separate governance and operations while aligning to Boeing for reporting and select enterprise functions.
ARLINGTON, Va. - Boeing and Airbus announced each company has completed separate acquisitions of major Spirit AeroSystems operations, dividing the supplier’s global footprint between the two aircraft manufacturers as each company brings former Spirit facilities and employees into their production networks.
Boeing said it has closed its purchase of Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial and aftermarket operations tied to Boeing programs. The acquisition includes work on 737 fuselages and major structures for the 767, 777 and 787. It also covers commercially procured fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46, as well as Spirit’s aftermarket businesses that expand Boeing’s maintenance, repair and overhaul services and spare parts portfolio.
"This is a pivotal moment in Boeing's history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems' commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense," said Kelly Ortberg, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company in Arlington, Va. "As we welcome our new teammates and bring our two companies together, our focus is on maintaining stability so we can continue delivering high-quality airplanes, differentiated services, and advanced defense capabilities for our customers and the industry."
Spirit Defense
Spirit Defense will remain an independent supplier within Boeing Defense, Space & Security, operating as a non-integrated subsidiary while retaining its own governance and daily management. Boeing has also acquired Spirit’s Belfast, Northern Ireland, operation, which will function as an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
Spirit facilities in Wichita, Kan.; Dallas, Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; and Prestwick, Scotland, will begin integration into Boeing. Approximately 15,000 employees across these sites are joining Boeing. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said the state’s aviation workforce continues to play a central role in global aircraft production, and members of the Kansas congressional delegation welcomed Boeing’s return to Wichita.
Airbus operations
Airbus SE in Leiden, Netherlands, announced it has also finalized its acquisition of several Spirit AeroSystems assets supporting Airbus commercial aircraft. The company said more than 4,000 employees will join Airbus as part of the transition.
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“This milestone marks a special moment for all of us at Airbus. We are proud to welcome over 4,000 new colleagues, with whom we will embark on a new chapter in our industrial operations by taking on activities of critical importance to our commercial aircraft programmes,” said Florent Massou, executive vice president for operations in the Airbus commercial aircraft business.
Airbus has taken ownership of Spirit sites in Kinston, N.C.; Saint-Nazaire, France; Casablanca, Morocco; and the A220 wing and fuselage production lines in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It also acquires production of A320 and A350 wing components in Prestwick, Scotland, and will transfer A220 pylon production from Wichita, Kan., to Toulouse, France.
Airbus will receive compensation of $439 million, subject to standard purchase price adjustments and post-closing review. The company will also receive additional amounts to settle certain liabilities under the purchase agreements.
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Jamie Whitney
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Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics in 2018 and oversees editorial content and produces news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attends industry events, produces Webcasts, and oversees print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics.