Boeing Completes Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, Ushering in a New Era for Its Industrial Network
Boeing confirmed it has completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a move that marks a decisive moment for the company. Kelly Ortberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, described it as a point that will directly influence operational stability and the ability to deliver reliable aircraft, differentiated services, and advanced defense capabilities.
Integration has already begun and encompasses Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial and aftermarket operations, in addition to the creation of Spirit Defense as a unit linked to Boeing Defense, Space & Security. This division will operate as a non-integrated subsidiary with independent governance and operations.
What the Deal Includes
The acquisition covers all of Spirit’s Boeing-related commercial activities. These include:
- Fuselages for the 737.
- Major structures for the 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner programs.
- Commercially acquired fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46.
The agreement also incorporates Boeing’s largest spare parts provider, expands its global footprint in maintenance services, and adds the portfolio of rotables, leasing, and exchange associated with Spirit’s aftermarket business.
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Integration of Centers and Talent Expansion
Boeing will absorb Spirit’s commercial and aftermarket operations in Wichita (Kansas), Dallas (Texas), and Tulsa (Oklahoma), along with the Aerospace Innovation Center in Prestwick, Scotland. Approximately 15,000 employees from these five centers will become part of Boeing.
Furthermore, part of Spirit’s facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has also been acquired. This site will operate as an independent subsidiary under the name Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
Reactions from Kansas: Industry, Jobs, and the Future
The deal prompted immediate comments from state and federal authorities in Kansas, one of the historic centers of American aviation.
Governor Laura Kelly highlighted that Kansas’s aeronautical expertise has a global impact and that integrating Spirit into Boeing reinforces the state’s role in aerospace innovation.
Senator Jerry Moran emphasized that Wichita would not be the “Air Capital of the World” without its community of engineers, designers, and manufacturers. He added that the agreement will build bridges between Seattle and Wichita and bring new opportunities to the region.
Senator Roger Marshall called the announcement a recognition of local talent. He stated that the workers, alongside the unions, have kept the United States as a global reference in the sector and must be at the center of any future investment.
Congressman Ron Estes recalled the state’s aeronautical trajectory and the region’s relevance in developing and manufacturing aircraft for the global market. He considered the purchase a continuation of an evolution that dates back a century in American aviation.
A Decisive Reorganization for the Global Supply Chain
The integration of Spirit AeroSystems represents for Boeing a direct reinforcement of its industrial structure and its ability to internally manage key programs and maintenance services. It also points to a strategy aimed at stabilizing production and ensuring more reliable deliveries for commercial and governmental customers.
With the centers in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Scotland, and Northern Ireland now incorporated, Boeing gains talent, technical capability, and an expanded service network that will impact its competitiveness for years to come.
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