The US aircraft manufacturer Boeing is facing a significant turning point in its corporate history: The planned reintegration of supplier Spirit AeroSystems is progressing, and Sean Black, an experienced aerospace expert, has now been appointed to assume responsibility for key production sites. Boeing's acquisition of Spirit, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-2025, is aimed at stabilizing the supply chain and strengthening control over critical production steps within the company.
Spirit AeroSystems was spun off from Boeing's own aerostructures manufacturing operations in 2005 and has since become one of the company's most important suppliers. Today, Spirit produces approximately 70 percent of the fuselage structure for the Boeing 737, supplies structural components for the 767 and 777 models, and provides integrated fuselage components for the 787 Dreamliner. In light of growing challenges in the aviation industry, including supply chain issues, quality defects, and rising production costs, Boeing is now focusing on bringing these critical manufacturing capabilities back under its own control.
Sean Black takes on leadership role in Wichita and Europe
Sean Black, currently Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research at Spirit AeroSystems, will assume management of the Wichita, Kansas, facility upon completion of the acquisition. He will also oversee the company's European facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Prestwick, Scotland, which will continue to manufacture Boeing components.
Black is considered a distinguished executive in the international aviation industry. He is a long-standing member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, was involved in the development of the Airbus A350, and has held leadership positions at BAE Systems and Airbus. He joined Spirit in 2016 and has since been responsible for several strategically important programs.
Focus on Boeing programs: Airbus loses influence on production sites
While the Spirit AeroSystems sites that work for Boeing are to be more closely integrated into the corporate structure in the future, the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus will, as things stand, take over some Spirit production lines. This includes the manufacture of A350 fuselage sections in North America and France, as well as wing parts for the A220.
In February 2025, Airbus Chief Financial Officer Thomas Toepfer announced that an agreement for the acquisition of certain Spirit sites would be signed shortly. This particularly concerns plants in Casablanca (Morocco), St. Nazaire (France), and Kinston (USA), which could be managed directly by Airbus in the future.
Financial aspects of the takeover
In July 2024, Boeing announced that it would buy back Spirit AeroSystems in a transaction valued at approximately $4,7 billion. The purchase price will be paid in the form of a share exchange. Boeing had previously provided the struggling supplier with financial support in the form of upfront payments. Airbus also contributed a three-digit million amount to stabilize production.
Boeing CFO Brian West emphasized in March 2025 that the collaboration with Spirit AeroSystems had improved significantly since the beginning of the close cooperation. The quality of the components manufactured in Wichita had increased, and the planned production increases for the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 models were no longer at risk.
Wichita production site: heart of integration
The Wichita plant is one of the largest aviation production centers in the United States. Thousands of employees produce aircraft parts there for Boeing, as well as for other manufacturers. The return to the parent company is intended to streamline processes, standardize quality standards, and shorten communication channels.
By appointing Sean Black to lead this strategically important production facility, Boeing is sending a clear signal of stability and continuity. Black will report directly to the company's top management and be responsible for implementing the integration strategy.
Way to the future: Stabilizing the lieFerry chain in focus
The repurchase of Spirit AeroSystems is part of Boeing's comprehensive strategy to restore confidence in its manufacturing processes and products. After several high-profile setbacks, particularly the January 737 incident involving a Boeing 9 MAX 2024, safety, quality, and transparency are more important than ever.
By gaining complete control over central component manufacturing, Boeing aims not only to secure its production plans but also to strengthen its long-term competitiveness. The company expects to complete the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems by mid-2025 at the latest.
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