Aviation News – Airbus has completed the purchase of Spirit AeroSystems industrial facilities tied to its commercial aircraft programs, strengthening its control over critical production capabilities.
Airbus confirmed the closing of its transaction with Spirit AeroSystems, marking a strategic move to secure essential manufacturing assets. The acquisition follows months of negotiations and forms part of a broader industry restructuring that began when Spirit evaluated divestitures of its European and Airbus-related operations.
The newly acquired facilities will allow Airbus to directly manage production work previously handled by Spirit, ensuring greater stability in its supply chain. The assets primarily support the company’s core commercial aircraft programs, contributing to improved oversight of manufacturing quality and delivery schedules.
Airbus has taken ownership of the following former Spirit AeroSystems assets:
- the site of Kinston, North Carolina, U.S. (A350 fuselage sections), joining as Airbus Aerosystems Kinston;
- the site of Saint-Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections), joining as Airbus Atlantic Cadréan;
- the site of Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components), joining as Airbus Atlantic Maroc Aero;
- the production of A220 wings and A220 mid-fuselage in Belfast, Northern Ireland, becoming Airbus Belfast;
- the production of wing components for A320 and A350 in Prestwick, Scotland, becoming an affiliate named Prestwick Aerosystems;
- the production of A220 pylons, which will be transferred out of Wichita, Kansas, U.S. to the site of Saint-Eloi, Toulouse, France.
Airbus receives compensation of $439 million, with the typical purchase price adjustments and subject to customary post-closing review. In addition, Airbus receives certain amounts to settle liabilities under the provision of the purchase agreements.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
