The strategic acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a global leader in aerospace outsourcing, marks a decisive turning point for the industry. Boeing and Airbus, the two aviation giants, are sharing this key player to secure their supply chains while reinternalizing certain critical activities. In the face of production issues that have recently plagued Spirit AeroSystems, this joint initiative reaffirms the commitment of both manufacturers to maintain their standards of quality and performance.
Twenty years after parting ways, Boeing is re-engaging with its former subcontractor, Spirit AeroSystems, in partnership with Airbus. This acquisition, motivated by the recent production problems faced by Spirit, marks a strategic reinternalization of outsourcing activities by the two aviation giants.
A Necessary Return for Boeing
Boeing announced the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, its former subcontractor, for an amount of $4.7 billion (€4.37 billion). This transaction, completed twenty years after their initial separation, was driven by quality issues in Spirit’s production. By buying its own supplier, Boeing aims to improve the reliability and quality of its aircraft fuselages, which are essential for the safety and performance of its aircraft.
The Role of Airbus in the Acquisition
Airbus, a direct competitor of Boeing, has also decided to participate in this acquisition. In response to the challenges posed by Spirit’s production problems, Airbus deemed it necessary to strengthen its control over certain parts of the production chain. By acquiring some of Spirit’s activities, Airbus aims to secure its supplies and ensure high-quality standards for its aircraft.
Strategic Asset Distribution
The agreement between Boeing and Airbus includes a precise distribution of Spirit AeroSystems’ assets. Boeing will primarily take over the sites exclusively dedicated to the production of its aircraft, thereby ensuring better vertical integration of production. On the other hand, Airbus will focus on the facilities and activities that directly feed into its own production lines, thus optimizing its industrial capabilities.
A Reinstitution of Outsourcing Activities
This strategic acquisition allows Boeing and Airbus to reinternalize part of their outsourcing activities. In the face of recent inefficiencies at Spirit AeroSystems, the two aerospace giants want to strengthen their control and mastery over critical production processes. This approach is part of a broader strategy of securing supply chains and maintaining a high level of quality.
Impact on the Aerospace Industry
The megatransaction between Boeing, Airbus, and Spirit AeroSystems could transform the aerospace industry. On one hand, this acquisition consolidates the strengths of these giants in the face of current market challenges. On the other hand, it could have repercussions for other subcontractors and the competition in this sector. The integration of Spirit’s activities by Airbus and Boeing could also pose management challenges, particularly in terms of synergies and process harmonization.
The Reasons Behind This Acquisition
The motivations behind this acquisition are multiple. For Boeing, the urgency of resolving Spirit’s quality and production problems was paramount. As for Airbus, the operation secures critical supplies while limiting the risks of dependence on third parties. Ultimately, this strategic acquisition aims to enhance the competitiveness and performance of both manufacturers in an increasingly demanding market.
