Boeing completes acquisition of Spirit Aerosystems, begins integration of commercial and aftermarket operations
By MRO Business Today Contributor
Boeing has finalized its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, bringing the aerospace manufacturer’s Boeing-related commercial operations and significant aftermarket capabilities fully under Boeing’s umbrella. The move marks one of the most consequential steps in Boeing’s recent restructuring efforts.
“This is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense,” said Boeing president and CEO Kelly Ortberg. “As we welcome our new teammates and bring our two companies together, our focus is on maintaining stability so we can continue delivering high-quality airplanes, differentiated services, and advanced defense capabilities.”
The acquisition covers Spirit’s major Boeing work packages, including 737 fuselages and large structural assemblies for the 767, 777, and 787 programs, as well as fuselages supplied for the P-8 maritime aircraft and KC-46 tanker. Boeing will also bring in-house its largest supplier of spare parts, expanding its global MRO presence and strengthening its rotable, leasing, and exchange services portfolio.
A new unit, Spirit Defense, will continue operating as an independent supplier to defense customers to preserve uninterrupted support. While financially aligned with Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the business will retain separate governance and operational independence.
Boeing has also acquired parts of Spirit’s Belfast operations in Northern Ireland, which will function as an independent subsidiary under the historic Short Brothers brand.
Spirit’s commercial and aftermarket facilities in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas, Texas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma—along with the Aerospace Innovation Center in Prestwick, Scotland—will begin integrating into Boeing. Roughly 15,000 employees across these locations are transitioning to the company.
State and federal leaders in Kansas welcomed the development, highlighting its significance for the region’s aerospace cluster.
“Kansas’ aviation expertise reaches far beyond our borders,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Boeing’s acquisition underscores the global significance of the work happening in our state and positions Kansas to continue shaping aerospace innovation for decades.”
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the move strengthens ties between Wichita and Boeing, adding: “I welcome Boeing back to Wichita and look forward to building a lasting relationship with the community, workforce, and suppliers.”
Senator Roger Marshall called the deal a recognition of Wichita’s world-class aerospace talent, while Congressman Ron Estes said the acquisition builds on a century of U.S. aviation leadership.
“As the flags change at the manufacturing facility in southeast Wichita, I will remain a steadfast advocate for the skilled workforce and communities that make up the Air Capital of the World,” Estes said.
