A significant aerospace deal has successfully secured thousands of jobs in the UK as Spirit AeroSystems’ sale to Boeing and Airbus was completed. This transaction affects the east Belfast facility that produces components for the Airbus A220, including wings and mid-fuselages.
The move involves the transfer of approximately 1,600 employees to Airbus, with the site being rebranded as Airbus Belfast. The remaining operations of Spirit will be acquired by Boeing, which plans to run the Belfast sites as an independent subsidiary under the brand Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
The facility in question, with a storied history, was initially known as Short Brothers before being taken over by Bombardier and subsequently sold to Spirit AeroSystems in 2020. This deal marks the end of a year-long process involving two major aircraft manufacturers working through complex negotiations to finalize the transfer of ownership and division of Spirit AeroSystems’ sites globally.
Airbus has announced its intention to continue with Spirit AeroSystems’ expansion plans at the east Belfast site, aiming to boost A220 wing production. Along with Boeing, they will share one of the east Belfast locations for their operations.
In addition to the changes in Belfast, the agreement encompasses the shift of 1,200 employees from Spirit AeroSystems’ Prestwick site in Scotland to Airbus. This strategic realignment reflects Airbus and Boeing’s commitment to enhancing their manufacturing capabilities in the UK.
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