Airbus SE has finalized an agreement to purchase key manufacturing assets from Spirit AeroSystems, following Boeing’s announcement of a full takeover of its former subsidiary and supplier. With this move, the European aerospace giant aims to secure supply chain continuity for its commercial programs while avoiding potential conflicts of interest with Boeing, which would otherwise have become a key supplier for certain Airbus components.
Under the deal, Airbus will take ownership of production facilities in Kinston (USA) and Saint-Nazaire (France) for A350 fuselage manufacturing, as well as a plant in Casablanca (Morocco) producing A220 and A321 components. It will also acquire A220 engine pylon production in Wichita (USA) and A220 wing and mid-fuselage assembly capabilities in Belfast (Northern Ireland). In Prestwick (Scotland), Airbus will take over wing component production for the A320 and A350. Meanwhile, Spirit AeroSystems plans to sell its Subang (Malaysia) facility to a third party.
As part of the transaction, Airbus will receive 439 million in compensation from Spirit AeroSystems, subject to certain closing adjustments. Additionally, Airbus has agreed to provide Spirit with interest-free credit lines totaling 200 million to support Airbus-related programs.
In July 2024, Boeing announced its full acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems for $8.3 billion (including debt assumption), which would have made Airbus dependent on its biggest rival for critical components. This would have created significant operational risks, including potential conflicts of interest, limited cost control, and possible supply delays. By acquiring these assets, Airbus ensures independence in producing key parts for its most important aircraft models.
According to announcements from February 2025, this agreement is not expected to impact Airbus’s financial projections for the current year significantly. Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is set to be finalized in the third quarter of 2025.
This move highlights Airbus’s proactive strategy in securing its supply chain amid increasing consolidation in the aerospace industry. While Boeing strengthens its vertical integration, Airbus is maintaining control over critical manufacturing capacities, reducing reliance on external suppliers. This avoids a scenario where Boeing—as Spirit’s owner—could influence Airbus’s production flows, which would have posed a risky strategic situation for the European manufacturer.
