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Boeing plans acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' Belfast facility amid strategic shifts

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Boeing plans acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' Belfast facility amid strategic shifts
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Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Alaska Airlines

Boeing is reportedly planning to acquire Spirit AeroSystems' facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This move is part of a broader acquisition strategy involving key assets and facilities of Spirit AeroSystems by both Boeing and Airbus. Representatives from both companies confirmed this development to the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT).

Originally, Spirit AeroSystems began as a Boeing factory in Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing Boeing 737 fuselages. In 2005, Boeing spun off the facility, allowing Spirit AeroSystems to expand globally and enter agreements with other aerospace companies such as Airbus and Bombardier. The Belfast plant currently manufactures wings for the Airbus A220.

In 2024, Boeing agreed to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock deal valued at nearly $5 billion. The primary goal was to regain control over 737 fuselage production to enhance quality control. As part of this agreement, Airbus has already committed to purchasing the manufacturing operations for the Airbus A220's wings.

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Airbus is also acquiring other significant parts of Spirit's operations. These include facilities in Prestwick, Scotland; Malaysia; France; and Morocco that produce components for various Airbus models like the A320 and A350.

The Wichita plant has a long history with Boeing, having produced components for planes such as the B-29 and B-52 before specializing in fuselages for the Boeing 737. However, recent years have seen quality control issues arising from this plant. These problems were highlighted when a door plug malfunctioned on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.

Boeing initiated discussions to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems in March 2024, reaching an agreement by June. This agreement allows both Boeing and Airbus to acquire assets related to their respective programs if no other buyers are found for remaining operations.

This acquisition comes amid changes in Boeing's commercial strategy following challenges with its aircraft lines like the grounded 737 MAX series and production halts affecting other models such as the 787.

Boeing continues to face difficulties despite having strong product offerings like the 737 MAX 8 and 787-9. Leadership changes aimed at improving reliability may help restore its position within the aerospace industry.

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