Spirit AeroSystems Announces Divestiture Agreement with Airbus, Paving the Way for Boeing Acquisition

April 28, 2025 - In a strategic bid to optimize its operational concentration, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPR) has signed a definitive agreement with Airbus SE. Under the agreement, the ownership transfer of certain assets and production facilities engaged in the production of Airbus aerostructures to Airbus. This major divestiture deal will close simultaneously with Spirit AeroSystems' announced acquisition by The Boeing Company. The transaction is subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions, and subject to a targeted closing in the third quarter of 2025.

Spirit AeroSystems' sale of assets to Airbus is the turning point of the changing complexion of the aero industry. The agreement of sale provides Airbus with a selection of facilities and assets, which are all equally important in Airbus' production of aerostructures for its leading aircraft programs. The exact properties being sold off include locations and manufacturing facilities established in North America, Europe, and Morocco.

Key Assets and Production Facilities to Be Transferred

The assets that Airbus is acquiring from Spirit AeroSystems are its manufacturing facilities at strategic locations, including:

1. Kinston, North Carolina, USA – This facility is mainly engaged in the manufacture of fuselage sections for the Airbus A350.

2. St. Nazaire, France – Another important facility in the manufacture of A350 fuselage sections, which are crucial to the structural integrity of the aircraft.

3. Casablanca, Morocco – The plant manufactures components for the Airbus A321 and A220 aircraft, both being part of Airbus' commercial aircraft family.

4. Prestwick, Scotland – At this site, Spirit manufactures components for the wings of A320 and A350 aircraft.

5. Wichita, Kansas, USA – This facility specializes in manufacturing pylons for the Airbus A220 aircraft, a crucial part for overall aerostructural assembly.

6. Belfast, Northern Ireland – This plant will be responsible for manufacturing wings for the A220, adding further to Airbus' global manufacturing presence.

7. Subang, Malaysia – If a viable buyer is not found prior to deal closure, the assets relating to Airbus programs at this site will also be transferred to Airbus.

Also, in case no feasible buyer is located for the other assets at the Belfast facility, such as production of the A220 mid-fuselage, these assets too will be part of the transaction to facilitate smooth transition and continuity in Airbus' production capacity. 

Strategic Importance of the Divestiture

This sale is a significant milestone in Spirit AeroSystems' path towards optimizing its operations amidst tremendous industry shifts. Spirit's partnership with Airbus has, throughout the years, led to the production of some of the most critical aerostructures for Airbus' aircraft programs, such as the extremely successful A350. By simplifying its portfolio of assets and aligning them with its strategic goals, Spirit is setting itself up for future growth as it makes the transition to its new ownership with The Boeing Company.

Irene Esteves, Spirit AeroSystems' Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the significance of this deal. She cited, "Our long-term partnership with Airbus has allowed us to play a meaningful role in the production of aerostructures for some of their most important aircraft programs. This divestiture is an important milestone as we move towards the successful completion of our acquisition by Boeing, benefiting our stockholders and stakeholders alike."

The deal with Airbus will also be accompanied by a memorandum of understanding between Spirit AeroSystems and Airbus, whereby Airbus will provide non-interest-bearing credit lines worth $200 million. The funds will be employed by Spirit to fund the continuing operations pertaining to Airbus programs, further strengthening the partnership between the two aerospace titans.

Striding Towards the Boeing Purchase

Although the Airbus divestiture agreement is notable on its own, it is also a significant part of Spirit AeroSystems' overall strategy of aligning with Boeing. Spirit's acquisition by Boeing, to be completed at the same time as the Airbus divestiture, is an important milestone in the history of the company. This acquisition will have a powerful impact on the future of Spirit as a prominent aerospace manufacturing player.

The two transactions—Boeing's acquisition of Spirit and the sale of select assets to Airbus—are closely tied and are expected to close during the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory clearances. Completion of both the transactions will enable Spirit to concentrate on its core competencies and take advantage of Boeing's extensive resources and aerospace expertise.

A Look Ahead: Industry Implications

The joint impact of these transactions will have far-reaching consequences for the aerospace business, specifically in the field of aerostructure production. Spirit AeroSystems has traditionally been a major provider of aerostructures such as fuselages, wings, nacelles, and pylons for commercial, defense, and regional aircraft. Its partnership with Airbus and Boeing has been at the heart of the manufacturing of major components for several of the world's most successful aircraft.

With Spirit's transition to ownership by Boeing, the firm will have increased access to a wider portfolio of products and capabilities with which to address the changing needs of the international aerospace market. And with Airbus' acquisition of Spirit's assets, the firm will further consolidate its position in the aerostructures sector, furthering its long-term objective of creating high-quality, dependable components for its fleet of aircraft.

But the sector will also be observing closely whether these large transactions pose any challenges to these giants of the aerospace industry, such as regulatory obstacles, integration difficulties, and market reactions. Although Airbus and Boeing are both highly established players in the aerospace industry, these complicated deals will need to be well planned and executed in order to disturb operations and customer relations to the minimum.

Conclusion

Spirit AeroSystems' divestment deal with Airbus and its upcoming acquisition by Boeing are significant milestones for the aerospace manufacturing industry. The deals indicate the evolving dynamics of the industry where companies have to constantly adjust to the changing requirements of global aerospace markets. As Spirit advances with these transactions, the company is setting itself up for a new era, one that will present both opportunity and challenge in a more competitive aerospace environment. As the regulatory process gets under way, all eyes will be on the completion of these landmark industry deals, and the effects they will have on the future of Spirit AeroSystems and the larger aerospace industry.

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