In a major move aimed at fortifying its commercial aircraft supply chain, Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has signed a definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems for the acquisition of several key industrial assets dedicated to Airbus programs. The transaction, which was announced officially on March 28, 2025, is expected to reshape Airbus’ operational control over critical components, enhancing its production stability and long-term program sustainability.
Under the agreement, Airbus will take over a number of Spirit AeroSystems’ facilities and production lines including:
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The Kinston, North Carolina, U.S. facility, responsible for A350 fuselage sections.
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The St. Nazaire, France site, also producing A350 fuselage sections.
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The Casablanca, Morocco facility, manufacturing A321 and A220 components.
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A220 pylon production operations based in Wichita, Kansas.
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A220 wing and mid-fuselage production operations at Belfast, Northern Ireland, unless Spirit AeroSystems finds a separate buyer for part of the Belfast site.
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Wing components for A320 and A350 families produced at Prestwick, Scotland.
Notably, Spirit AeroSystems plans to sell its Subang, Malaysia site to a third-party buyer, keeping that operation outside of Airbus’ acquisition.
Financial Terms and Strategic Implications
As part of the deal, Airbus will receive a $439 million compensation payment from Spirit AeroSystems, subject to certain closing adjustments. This figure reflects adjustments following the revised transaction perimeter compared to earlier expectations under the binding term sheet agreement announced in July 2024.
Airbus emphasized that the financial and operational impacts of the transaction are already accounted for within its 2025 guidance figures, particularly in terms of EBIT Adjusted and Free Cash Flow before Customer Financing, as outlined in February.
Additionally, Airbus will provide Spirit AeroSystems with non-interest bearing lines of credit totaling $200 million. This credit facility is intended to support Spirit’s ongoing Airbus programs and ensure a smoother transition ahead of the formal handover.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Securing the Supply Chain
This acquisition reflects Airbus’ broader strategy to secure critical supply lines amid mounting industry challenges. Over the past few years, the aviation sector has faced persistent supply chain disruptions, including shortages of skilled labor, raw materials, and key aircraft components.
By bringing these crucial production capabilities in-house, Airbus aims to:
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Ensure a stable and reliable production flow for its high-demand programs such as the A320neo, A321XLR, A350, and A220 families.
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Mitigate future risks associated with external supplier delays and quality issues.
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Enhance cost control and operational efficiency, thereby supporting Airbus’ competitiveness in the narrowbody and widebody markets.
A Wider Industry Context
The move comes amid an increasingly turbulent backdrop for global aerospace manufacturing. Boeing, Airbus’ chief rival, is currently grappling with major supply chain setbacks and regulatory scrutiny. Spirit AeroSystems itself has faced operational challenges, including production delays and financial pressures stemming from the broader volatility of the aviation sector.
By acquiring Spirit AeroSystems’ Airbus-dedicated assets, Airbus is following a trend of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) taking more direct control over their supply chains to de-risk their industrial operations.
Moreover, Airbus’ decision to provide Spirit with a $200 million credit facility signals a pragmatic approach to preserving short-term production capabilities, while preparing for a seamless long-term integration of these key facilities.
What This Means for Airbus’ Future
For Airbus, the acquisition provides a direct hand in producing some of the most structurally complex and mission-critical parts of its airliners, notably the A220 wings and A350 fuselage sections.
The A220 program, in particular, has been a strategic priority for Airbus’ growth in the 100-150 seat aircraft segment, a market expected to see robust demand over the next 20 years. Securing the Belfast wing production is pivotal, as the wing design is a major competitive differentiator for the A220 in terms of efficiency and performance.
The transaction also demonstrates Airbus’ proactive approach to its future aircraft programs, including the upcoming A321XLR entry into service and preparations for its next-generation sustainable aviation platforms.
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