This has been a hot topic for quite some time now. Spirit Aerosystems has been primarily a Boeing issue, however it over time also became an Airbus issue. The aircraft components manufacturer will soon though be split between Boeing and Airbus.
How Spirit a Common Issue That links Boeing and Airbus
Spirit Aerosystems for those who don’t follow aviation closely manufactures aircraft parts for both Boeing and Airbus. The company once used to be wholly owned by Boeing and was then sold off in 2005. Since then, the Spirit continued to produce primarily Boeing 737 and 787 fuselages but also branched out its operations. Among looking to differentiate its streams of revenue the company won contracts with other aircraft producers such as Bombardier and Airbus. As of now Spirit produces both wing components for the Airbus A350 and the whole wing section of the A220 (previously the Bombardier C-Series).
Boeing had been looking to re-incorporate Spirit for quite some time. The aim is to retake full control over the production and quality control of its aircraft parts. Particularly after the mishaps with the Boeing 737 MAX family. However, it was virtually impossibile for Boeing to strike a deal to acquire Spirit Aerosystems without involving its competitor Airbus.
That is why only today the two manufacturers have come out with a press release, simultaneously, announcing they will be splitting Spirit. Airbus and Boeing will respectively be taking over the divisions that produce their parts.
How Boeing and Airbus will split Spirit Aerosystems
When Boeing sold off its fuselage division in Wichita, giving birth to Spirit Aerosystems, the company only produced pieces for the American plane manufacturer.
In simpler terms Boeing will be taking over, if all goes according to plan, the Wichita plant while Airbus would take over all operations regarding the production of its aircraft pieces and the Spirit plants in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Prestwick, Scotland, and Subang, Malaysia.
This operation will consolidate the production chain for both aircraft manufacturers under their respective control. A way of stabilising and futureproofing it all from future turbulences.
Overall, the Boeing-Spirit merger and the Airbus operations take over makes all parties happy. A way of simplifying operations and protecting interests from competitors. Now we just must wait and see if it all comes to fruition, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t. The timeline should see this all be over and done with by mid 2025.
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