Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select assets of Bombardier aerostructures and aftermarket services businesses in Belfast, Northern Ireland (known as Short Brothers); Casablanca, Morocco; and Dallas, Texas.
The opportunity to expand its operations into Northern Ireland and Morocco and the addition of the entire work package for the A220 wing and its technology is critical for the future of next-generation aircraft, says Spirit. In aerostructures and fabrication, Bombardier supplies composite and metallic wing components, nacelles, fuselages, and tail assemblies, along with high-value mechanical assemblies made out of aluminum, titanium, and steel.
“The Bombardier operations bring world-class engineering expertise to Spirit and add to a strong track record of innovation, especially in advanced composites,” said Spirit AeroSystems president and CEO Tom Gentile. “Belfast has developed an impressive position in business jet fuselage production, in addition to the world-acclaimed fully integrated A220 composite wing. This acquisition is in line with our growth strategy of increasing Airbus content, developing low-cost country footprint, and growing our aftermarket business.”
