Airbus has reached an agreement to acquire certain assets from Spirit AeroSystems as part of a strategic division of the supplier's operations with Boeing. This deal involves the acquisition of significant plants in North Carolina and Belfast, where Spirit produces crucial components for Airbus aircraft, such as the A350 fuselage and A220 carbon wings. As part of the agreement, Airbus will provide Spirit with $200 million in non-interest-bearing credit lines and receive a compensation of $439 million from Spirit. The move by Airbus aligns with Boeing's parallel efforts to reacquire Spirit, which it previously spun off, by purchasing it back for $4.7 billion in stock. This restructuring is crucial for Spirit, which has been facing financial difficulties, expecting substantial cash burn in early 2025, and is receiving support from both Boeing and Airbus to stabilize its operations.

Airbus has finalized an agreement to acquire assets from Spirit AeroSystems, marking a significant step in dividing the supplier's operations with Boeing, which is also reacquiring Spirit for $4.7 billion in stock.

The agreement includes the acquisition of Spirit's plants in Kinston, North Carolina, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, where important parts for Airbus aircraft, such as the A350 fuselage and A220 carbon wings, are manufactured.

As part of the deal, Airbus will extend non-interest-bearing credit lines worth $200 million to Spirit, while Spirit will compensate Airbus with $439 million.

This strategic move by Airbus coincides with Boeing's decision to increase production of its 737 MAX jet, following recent crises that affected output, and is part of a broader effort to stabilize Spirit's operations.

Spirit AeroSystems, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, has been facing financial challenges, including doubts about its viability as a going concern, and anticipates burning $650 million to $700 million in free cash in early 2025.

Boeing and Airbus are providing financial support to Spirit, with Airbus expecting to complete its agreement by the end of April, while Boeing's full acquisition deal is expected to close in the third quarter.

The restructuring plan includes provisions for Airbus to potentially take over additional production lines, such as the A220 mid-fuselage, if no other buyers are found, ensuring continuity for Spirit's European-focused activities.