Airbus SE announced a closed transaction with Spirit AeroSystems for the acquisition of industrial assets dedicated to its commercial aircraft programs.
The French aerospace manufacturer will assume ownership of a A350 fuselage production site in Kinston, North Carolina, which will operate as Airbus Aerosystems Kinston. It will also take over production of A220 pylons in Wichita, Kansas, and relocate the work to a facility in Toulouse, France.
READ MORE: Boeing Completes Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems
Other former Spirit AeroSystems assets in the deal include:
- Site in Saint-Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections), joining as Airbus Atlantic Cadréan
- Site in Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components), joining as Airbus Atlantic Maroc Aero
- Production of A220 wings and A220 mid-fuselage in Belfast, Northern Ireland, becoming Airbus Belfast
- Production of wing components for A320 and A350 in Prestwick, Scotland, becoming an affiliate named Prestwick Aerosystems
"We are proud to welcome over 4,000 new colleagues, with whom we will embark on a new chapter in our industrial operations by taking on activities of critical importance to our commercial aircraft programs," Airbus Executive Vice President Florent Massou said.
Airbus will receive compensation of $439 million, with the typical purchase price adjustments and subject to customary post-closing review. The company will also receive certain amounts to settle liabilities under the provision of the purchase agreements.
Rival planemaker Boeing also recently announced an acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' assets, including fuselages for the 737 program and major structures for the 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. It also included commercially procured fuselages for the P-8 and KC-46.
