Airbus SE has made a significant announcement regarding its acquisition of industrial assets from Spirit AeroSystems for its commercial aircraft programs. This definitive agreement will see Airbus taking ownership of various assets in different locations to bolster its production capabilities.
The assets that Airbus will acquire from Spirit AeroSystems include the sites of Kinston, North Carolina, U.S. and St. Nazaire, France, which are dedicated to A350 fuselage sections. Additionally, Airbus will take over the site in Casablanca, Morocco, which produces A321 and A220 components. The production of A220 pylons in Wichita, Kansas, and A220 wings in Belfast, Northern Ireland will also be under Airbus’ ownership. Furthermore, Airbus will acquire the production of wing components for A320 and A350 in Prestwick, Scotland.
As part of the agreement, Spirit AeroSystems intends to sell the site of Subang, Malaysia to a third-party owner. The compensation amount for this transaction has been adjusted accordingly, with Airbus set to receive $439 million from Spirit AeroSystems, subject to certain adjustments at closing.
This acquisition aligns with Airbus’ 2025 guidance, ensuring stability of supply for its commercial aircraft programs and providing a more sustainable operational and financial path forward for key work packages. The companies anticipate the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
In addition to the acquisition, Airbus has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to provide non-interest bearing lines of credit totaling $200 million. These funds will support Spirit AeroSystems in its efforts to assist Airbus programs.
Overall, this strategic move by Airbus signifies a commitment to enhancing its production capabilities and securing the future of its commercial aircraft programs. The integration of these assets will enable Airbus to streamline operations and drive efficiency in its manufacturing processes.
