Boeing is in talks with Spirit AeroSystems for a potential acquisition, which could help stabilize its defense business and strengthen its position in bidding on military aircraft programs. Spirit is a manufacturer and supplier for military aircraft such as E-7 Wedgetail, P-8 Poseidon, the B-21 Raider, Bell’s V-280 Valor, and B-52H Stratofortress, with defense revenues reaching nearly $650 million in 2022. Boeing confirmed the potential acquisition on March 1 to improve aviation safety and quality.
If the acquisition goes through, Boeing could address quality control issues that have impacted its aircraft production. Spirit’s expertise in production techniques like additive manufacturing and composites can benefit Boeing. Acquiring Spirit would also allow Boeing to contribute to more defense programs without being the prime contractor. Future potential benefits include participation in programs such as the B-21 Raider and Bell V-280 Valor.
There’s skepticism about the government objecting to the acquisition, and it may benefit Spirit’s president, Pat Shanahan. The effectiveness of the acquisition will depend on how Boeing manages Spirit’s culture, standards, and workforce to address safety and engineering issues. If successful, it could rejuvenate Boeing’s focus on safety and quality, but it’s too early to predict the outcome accurately.
