Airbus and Boeing complete acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems

Airbus and Boeing have completed a long-awaited deal to acquire and divide Spirit AeroSystems, Northern Ireland's most significant manufacturing employer.

The deal sees the rival aircraft manufacturers firms take ownership of different parts of the Belfast based operation, with current employees split between the two.

Boeing will become the main owner of the site, leasing a portion to Airbus who will continue to manufacture parts for its own aircraft.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement saying it reflected confidence in Northern Ireland as a "global hub for aerospace innovation".

Spirit currently employs about 3,500 staff in Northern Ireland at its Belfast site.

Boeing will become the main owner of the site. It says that 2,400 Short Brothers employees will be added to the company's existing UK workforce.

In Belfast, it will operate as an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company, manufacturing business jets for several aerospace firms.

As part of the deal Boeing has also acquired Spirit AeroSystems' Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland and its 60 employees.

"Boeing's expansion of its UK footprint in Northern Ireland is a significant milestone for Short Brothers, our aerospace sector and the local economy," said Ciara Kennedy, VP & general manager, Short Brothers.

"Our heritage is built on years of innovation and resilience."

The remaining 1,550 employees will now work directly for Airbus who have taken ownership of the A220 wings and A220 mid-fuselage production which form part of the supply chain for its own aircraft.

On Monday, Jerome Blandin, head of wing operations for Airbus commercial aircraft said that the company has "completed the acquisition of key work packages in Belfast and Prestwick".

"In Belfast, Airbus welcomes around 1,600 employees, delivering crucial work packages in A220 composite wing and mid-fuselage which are critical to Airbus' production ramp-up," he added.

"Our goal is to provide a best-in-class environment for our operations, investing in the facilities, people and systems to make Belfast our centre of excellence for the A220 wing.

"The non-Airbus operations in Belfast have transferred to Boeing."

Unite said it was actively engaging with the management of both companies.

"Today's announcement must lead to commitments for jobs, investment and a secure future for aerospace in Northern Ireland," added Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

The deal was first announced in July last year as part of a wider break-up of the Spirit business and was finalised in April 2025.

Spirit was founded in 2005 when part of Boeing's business was spun off as a separate company.

The break up deal was initiated by Boeing which wants to bring Spirit back in house as part of its efforts to tackle manufacturing problems.

Industry Minister Chris McDonald said on Monday that it was "positive news for workers in Belfast and Prestwick who now work for the largest manufacturers of aircraft in the world".

"We look forward to continuing to work with Airbus and Boeing as they take forward these world-class sites and bring opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs."

Spirit's wider global business is being carved up between Boeing and Airbus, the world's largest aircraft manufacturers.

Spirit was founded in 2005 when part of Boeing's business was spun off as a separate company.

The break-up deal was initiated by Boeing which wants to bring Spirit back in house as part of its efforts to tackle manufacturing problems.