Boeing appoints Sean Black to lead Spirit AeroSystems after merger

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Boeing appoints Sean Black to lead Spirit AeroSystems after merger

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Sean Black Senior Vice President of Engineering and Research and Technology and serves as Chief Technology Officer at Spirit AeroSystems | Spirit AeroSystems

By Sky Industry News

Apr 25, 2025

Boeing has designated a new leader for Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, and its overseas locations as the companies prepare to merge. Boeing executives anticipate the merger will be finalized by mid-2025.

Sean Black, who has an extensive background in aerospace with positions at BAE Systems, Airbus, and most recently Spirit AeroSystems, has been chosen to lead the Wichita site post-merger. A report by Reuters, referencing letters circulated among employees, confirms that Black will also oversee Boeing sites in the United Kingdom, notable for producing parts for Boeing aircraft.

Black holds the role of Senior Vice President of Engineering and Research and Technology and serves as Chief Technology Officer at Spirit AeroSystems. His past experience includes leadership within Airbus on the A350 program. Spirit AeroSystems contributes significantly to Boeing’s aircraft assembly, providing about 70% of the 737 aircraft and various components for the 767, 777/777X, and 787 models.

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While Spirit AeroSystems will maintain some UK sites, it is expected to cease production for Airbus. Previously, Airbus CFO Thomas Toepfer indicated a transaction agreement with Spirit AeroSystems was imminent, following Airbus’ announcement of significant profits.

On July 1, 2024, Airbus unveiled a binding agreement to acquire sites from Spirit AeroSystems. Concurrently, Boeing announced its plan to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems in a $4.7 billion all-stock deal, seeking better alignment of its commercial production systems.

Boeing’s Executive VP and CFO, Brian West, highlighted Spirit AeroSystems' improved performance and praised the quality from Wichita at the Bank of America Industrials Conference. He confirmed that Boeing aims to complete the acquisition by mid-year, underscoring the strategic reintegration of Spirit AeroSystems to bolster the production process.