Boeing closed its $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. on December 8, 2025, making the former supplier a wholly‑owned subsidiary. The deal, which includes Spirit’s net debt, had previously received European Commission approval subject to conditions. Spirit’s commercial and aftermarket operations are now integrated into Boeing’s business, while Spirit Defense will continue to operate as an independent supplier to the defense industry.
The acquisition is a strategic move to regain direct control over critical aerostructures, particularly for the 737 MAX program. Boeing has cited quality‑control issues and production delays linked to Spirit components as key drivers for the deal. Management expects the integration to deliver about $1 billion in annual cost synergies by 2026, with analysts projecting up to $1.2 billion in savings. The deal also positions Boeing to better align engineering, production, and quality processes across its commercial and defense portfolios.
Spirit AeroSystems’ financial performance in the months leading up to the deal underscored the urgency of the acquisition. In the third quarter of 2025, Spirit reported revenue of $1.6 billion and a net loss of $2.14 billion for 2024, with earnings per share of $(6.16) and an adjusted EPS of $(4.87). The losses were driven by higher changes‑in‑estimates charges and lower program margins on Boeing 737, 787, Airbus A220, and A350 programs, largely due to supply‑chain and production‑cost growth. These financial pressures made Spirit a more attractive target for Boeing’s buy‑back strategy.
As part of the transaction, Spirit Defense remains a separate entity, while Airbus acquired several Spirit assets. Airbus took over operations in Kinston, North Carolina; St. Nazaire, France; and Casablanca, Morocco, including A220 wing and mid‑fuselage work. Boeing retained the Belfast operations and other assets that support its commercial aircraft programs. The divestitures were required to satisfy regulatory conditions and to preserve competition in the aerospace supply chain.
Boeing’s shares rose 2% following the completion announcement, while Airbus shares increased by nearly 1%. Investors viewed the deal as a strategic win that addresses long‑standing quality and production challenges, particularly for the 737 MAX. The market reaction reflected confidence that bringing Spirit in‑house will stabilize Boeing’s core manufacturing pipeline and improve long‑term profitability.
"This is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense," said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. Former Spirit CEO Pat Shanahan added that the integration would “help Boeing become more agile and faster,” enabling unified production processes and a stronger supply‑chain foundation.
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