Quantcast

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

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
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
Boeing plans acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' Belfast facility amid strategic shifts
Policy
Webp b737max 1
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.

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 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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025