The Move is aimed at improving aircraft quality, stabilizing the supply chain and supporting U.S. defense programs
ARLINGTON, VA (OBV) — Boeing has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier of aircraft structures, in a deal the company says will strengthen aviation safety, improve airplane quality and provide greater stability across its commercial production system.
The transaction brings Spirit’s Boeing-related commercial and aftermarket operations under the aerospace giant’s umbrella, including fuselage manufacturing for the 737 program and major structural components for the 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Commercially procured fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46 programs are also included.
“This is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s history and future success,” said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s president and chief executive officer. “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.”
Under the new structure, Spirit’s commercial airplane operations will align with Boeing Commercial Airplanes, while its aftermarket businesses will integrate into Boeing Global Services. Spirit’s defense programs will operate independently under a newly established Spirit Defense organization.
Spirit Defense will function as a non-integrated subsidiary of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, maintaining independent governance and operations while aligning for financial reporting and select enterprise support. Boeing said the approach is designed to ensure uninterrupted support for U.S. defense and space customers.
The acquisition also expands Boeing’s global maintenance, repair and overhaul footprint by bringing its largest spare-parts supplier in house. Spirit’s aftermarket businesses add to Boeing’s rotable, leasing and exchange portfolio, the company said.
Boeing has also acquired portions of Spirit’s operations in Belfast, Northern Ireland. That site will operate as an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
Meanwhile, Spirit’s commercial and aftermarket operations in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas, Texas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma — along with the Aerospace Innovation Center in Prestwick, Scotland — will begin integrating into Boeing. Approximately 15,000 employees across the five sites are becoming Boeing teammates. The Tulsa facility, which manufactures and assembles 737 fuselages, has played a key role in supporting rising aircraft production rates.
Oklahoma leaders welcomed the announcement, citing the state’s strong aerospace presence.
“Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems is welcome news for Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said, noting the sector generates nearly $44 billion in annual economic impact.
Rep. Kevin Hern said the deal could further strengthen Oklahoma’s commercial and military aerospace workforce, while Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols called the merger a positive step toward continued stability and innovation for the city’s aerospace employees.
The aerospace and defense industry is Oklahoma’s second-largest sector, supporting roughly 120,000 jobs statewide.
Boeing is one of the world’s largest aerospace companies and the top U.S. exporter, providing commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems to customers in more than 150 countries.
