Airbus Nears Deal with Spirit Aero, Signing Expected in Weeks

Airbus is set to finalize a deal to acquire parts of Spirit AeroSystems’ European operations in the coming weeks, according to Airbus CFO Thomas Toepfer. Speaking in Toulouse, France, Toepfer confirmed that negotiations are progressing well and that a formal agreement is expected soon.

The acquisition is part of a broader Spirit AeroSystems breakup, following Boeing’s $4.7 billion buyback of its former subsidiary. Spirit Aero supplies critical components for both Boeing and Airbus, with Airbus set to take over select loss-making operations. The deal is expected to close by mid-2025, with July 1 as a realistic target.

One major challenge in the talks has been the division of intellectual property and the future of Spirit Aero’s Belfast plant. Airbus is likely to acquire the A220 wing production section, while Bombardier is a potential buyer for other parts of the facility. Unions in Belfast have called for the plant to remain under a single ownership entity.

Spirit Aero’s financial struggles have added urgency to the negotiations. The Kansas-based company has just $890 million in liquidity but expects $650 million to $700 million in cash burn in early 2025. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized that Spirit Aero’s production quality has improved, highlighting its critical role in producing 737 MAX fuselages.

With Airbus and Boeing finalizing their respective acquisitions, the aerospace supply chain is undergoing significant restructuring, shaping the future of aircraft manufacturing.