Aeronautics: Airbus acquires Spirit AeroSystems major activities, including Casablanca plant

European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has agreed with U.S. supplier “Spirit AeroSystems” to acquire the major activities related to its airbus planes manufacturing in five plants, including the Casablanca site.

In a press release issued Monday, Airbus said the $559 million acquisition deal aims to ensure stability of supply for its commercial aircraft programs through a more sustainable way forward, both operationally and financially.

The transaction covers “Spirit AeroSystems” production of A350 fuselage sections in Kinston, North Carolina (USA) and St. Nazaire (France); of the A220’s wings and mid-fuselage in Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Casablanca (Morocco) as well as of the A220 pylons in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.

The same day, Spirit AeroSystems announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Boeing Company. “After carefully evaluating Boeing’s offer to combine, we are confident this transaction is in the best interest of Spirit and its shareholders, and will benefit Spirit’s other stakeholders,” said Patrick M. Shanahan, President and CEO of Spirit.

“Bringing Spirit and Boeing together will enable greater integration of both companies’ manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including safety and quality systems”, he added.

“We are proud of the part we have played in Airbus’ programs and believe bringing these programs under Airbus ownership will enable greater integration and alignment”, underlined Mr. Shanahan.

Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit has facilities in the U.S., U.K., France, Malaysia and Morocco.