Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing and Airbus see three options for Spirit's future

BTN News
Saturday, 11 May 2024

Boeing takeover target the plane parts maker Spirit AeroSystems says it plans to invest in its Belfast, Northern Ireland factory (formerly owned by Canada's Bombardier) and to ramp up production for Airbus A220 jet wings (Airbus is its second-biggest customer) - but only if it can agree pricing for the A220 work it does, because it made a US$167 million first quarter 2024 loss on the A220.


It also might take 'option 2' and return to Boeing full ownership.

As a third direction, Airbus might buy Spirit's Belfast operation, which reports say needs 'significant investment' (perhaps as much as US$1 billion) to make it viable long term. Airbus wants to increase A220 production by 50 per cent this year - and by more in 2025.

Spirit chief executive Pat Shanahan says if it goes with Airbus and isn't taken over (and owned again) by Boeing, it wants a deal that makes it a financially-strong business.

Spirit started life as a spin-off from Boeing in 2005 and remains a key Boeing supplier, particularly for Boeing 737 fuselages and parts of the B787.

Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing and Airbus see three options for Spirit's future

BTN News
Saturday, 11 May 2024

Boeing takeover target the plane parts maker Spirit AeroSystems says it plans to invest in its Belfast, Northern Ireland factory (formerly owned by Canada's Bombardier) and to ramp up production for Airbus A220 jet wings (Airbus is its second-biggest customer) - but only if it can agree pricing for the A220 work it does, because it made a US$167 million first quarter 2024 loss on the A220.


It also might take 'option 2' and return to Boeing full ownership.

As a third direction, Airbus might buy Spirit's Belfast operation, which reports say needs 'significant investment' (perhaps as much as US$1 billion) to make it viable long term. Airbus wants to increase A220 production by 50 per cent this year - and by more in 2025.

Spirit chief executive Pat Shanahan says if it goes with Airbus and isn't taken over (and owned again) by Boeing, it wants a deal that makes it a financially-strong business.

Spirit started life as a spin-off from Boeing in 2005 and remains a key Boeing supplier, particularly for Boeing 737 fuselages and parts of the B787.