Efforts to address supply chain instability and quality assurance have led Boeing and Airbus to sign deals with Spirit AeroSystems, aiming to acquire interests in the company. These moves follow pressure from lawmakers and regulators on Boeing to improve its safety systems after an incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9.
Boeing's agreement with Spirit involves an all-stock transaction valued at $4.7 billion, which could total $8.3 billion when considering Spirit’s net debt. Dave Calhoun, Boeing's president and CEO, stated, "We believe this deal is in the best interest of the flying public, our airline customers, the employees of Spirit and Boeing, our shareholders, and the country more broadly."
Spirit AeroSystems manufactures parts for Bombardier business jets and supplies components like engine nacelles and composite horizontal stabilizers. The company also assembles emergency doors and floors for various aircraft models.