Spirit AeroSystems Brings Work to Boeing in Merger

The merger between Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems is mainly about commercial aircraft production, but the deal brings with it work that Spirit had previously been supplying for several manufacturers of military aircraft. 

If the Boeing-Spirit deal is approved by U.S. regulators, Boeing will become a major supplier of components for the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider long-range stealth bomber, Lockheed Martin’s CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter, and the V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft to be built by Bell Textron.

 Boeing officials said the company would ensure the continuity of operations and production supporting Spirit’s customers. It specifically emphasized its intention to cooperate with Spirit’s existing defense customers as well as the Department of Defense.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement, “We are proud of the role Boeing plays in supporting our men and women in uniform and are committed to ensuring continuity for Spirit’s defense programs.”
 
The terms of the merger specify that Boeing will acquire the Spirit facilities in Wichita, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Those plants manufacture major sections of fuselage for the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner, as well as major components for the defense projects mentioned above.

Spirit was also making major components for Airbus programs, and the two companies have been negotiating under a term sheet agreement for Airbus to buy back work programs being carried out by Spirit. A third group of facilities in Malaysia, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will also be divested by Spirit.

FMI:  boeing.mediaroom.com/, breakingdefense.com/2024/07/