Quantcast

Airbus nears agreement with key supplier amid ongoing logistical challenges

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Airbus nears agreement with key supplier amid ongoing logistical challenges
Policy
Webp received 535126829059823
Guillaume Faury Airbus CEO | Wikipedia

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is nearing an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier of airplane parts. This development comes as Spirit AeroSystems undergoes a business division to change ownership. Airbus CFO Thomas Toepfer recently informed reporters in Toulouse, France about the progress. Reuters quotes him saying, "We're making good progress. I think it would be realistic to expect that this will happen in the next weeks." While no specific timeline has been confirmed, Toepfer suggested that July 1 could be the target date for finalizing the deal.

The discussions around Spirit AeroSystems' ownership change intensified following an incident involving Alaska Airlines in January 2024. The event highlighted flaws in Boeing's production practices, prompting the company to seek better control over its supply chain and safety protocols. Although Boeing showed interest in acquiring Spirit, complications arose due to Spirit's diverse client base, which includes Airbus—Boeing's competitor.

Spirit supplies components for various Airbus models, such as wings for the A220 jet. Its Wichita plant in Kansas handles parts for Boeing's 737 MAX and 787s, while Airbus has shown interest in Spirit’s Kinston composite parts factory in North Carolina and its A220 wings factory in Belfast.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Airbus and Spirit had discussed a binding term sheet last year with plans to finalize a deal by 2024; however, this timeline was extended into 2025 due to complexities related to splitting the company and dividing intellectual property. Additionally, Airbus is expected to receive compensation for assuming some of Spirit’s loss-making operations.

Meanwhile, Boeing revealed plans last year to acquire Spirit AeroSystems through an all-stock transaction valued at $4.7 billion. This agreement included absorbing Spirit’s significant debt load. Shortly after taking office, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg visited Spirit AeroSystems' facilities upon invitation from US Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas.

In November, Boeing agreed to provide up to $350 million upfront to support Spirit amid financial difficulties. According to their arrangement, Spirit must repay part of this sum by April 2026 and complete repayment by year-end.

Despite these developments with Boeing and ongoing negotiations with Airbus regarding logistics challenges involving Spirit AeroSystems have impacted delivery schedules significantly delaying entry into service dates especially concerning their A350F model.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated: “Specific supply chain challenges notably with Spirit AeroSystems are currently putting pressure on ramp-up efforts particularly affecting both our A350 & A220 lines.” He further elaborated on targeted monthly production rates aimed at reaching twelve units per month by late-2028 (A350) alongside fourteen units/month scheduled throughout mid-2026 (A220).

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The aviation industry has seen an increase in serious runway incidents at several airports, alongside rising safety concerns such as bird strikes due to larger bird movements.

Apr 2, 2025

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is undergoing a significant expansion to enhance passenger services and accommodate future growth.

Apr 2, 2025

The transition of presidential assets with the new Trump administration in the White House has sparked interest in the Vice President's aircraft, commonly referred to as Air Force Two.

Apr 2, 2025

US airline trade association Airlines for America (A4A) has announced its intention to pursue legal action against Amsterdam Schiphol Airport if it proceeds with proposed reductions in flight capacity.

Apr 2, 2025

The Gulfstream G650 has been a prominent figure in the realm of ultra-long-range business jets since its introduction to the market in 2009.

Apr 2, 2025

The Boeing 747, often referred to as the 'jumbo jet', is gradually vanishing from passenger service.

Apr 2, 2025