Boeing on March 1 issued a statement saying the company has had preliminary discussions about making Spirit AeroSystems a part of Boeing again:
“We have been working closely with Spirit AeroSystems and its leadership to strengthen the quality of the commercial airplanes that we build together. We confirm that our collaboration has resulted in preliminary discussions about making Spirit AeroSystems a part of Boeing again.
“We believe that the reintegration of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems' manufacturing operations would further strengthen aviation safety, improve quality and serve the interests of our customers, employees, and shareholders.
“Although there can be no assurance that we will be able to reach an agreement, we are committed to finding ways to continue to improve the safety and quality of the airplanes on which millions of people depend each and every day.”
Spirit AeroSystems on March 1 confirmed that it is currently engaged in discussions with Boeing about a possible acquisition of the company by Boeing, adding "No assurances can be given that a definitive agreement will be entered into, that any transaction will be consummated, or the timing, terms or conditions of any such transaction.
"The Spirit Board of Directors and management team are committed to enhancing shareholder value and regularly review the company’s opportunities to further this objective."
Spirit’s history in the United States dates back to 1927, when aviation pioneer Lloyd Stearman moved his factory, Stearman Aircraft Company, from California to Wichita, Kansas. Two years later, Boeing — known then as the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation — purchased Stearman Aircraft Company. The Boeing Wichita site produced some of the most important aircraft in history, including the B-29 Superfortress bomber, the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress.
In 1996, Boeing purchased Rockwell International’s operations in Oklahoma, which produced components for the 737, the International Space Station, the Joint Strike Fighter and the Nimrod MRA4.
In 2005, Boeing sold its Wichita division and Oklahoma operations. The new company, Spirit AeroSystems, began the transformation from a single-source supplier into an independent global supplier with multiple customers and platforms.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Spirit’s history begins in the 1910s. In 1908, Short Brothers was registered as an aircraft manufacturer and within a year had secured the UK manufacturing rights, to build six “Wright Flyers.”
Information about the Spirit's history is found on the Spirit AeroSystems website
Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing solutions, the company's core products include fuselages, integrated wings and wing components, pylons, and nacelles. Also, Spirit serves the aftermarket for commercial and business/regional jets. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit has facilities in the United States, UK, France, Malaysia and Morocco.
