Airbus and Boeing confirm Spirit AeroSystems acquisition in major boost for Northern Ireland aerospace sector

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Invest Northern Ireland CEO Kieran Donoghue have welcomed confirmation that Boeing and Airbus have completed their long-awaited acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems — a move set to reshape Northern Ireland’s aerospace landscape and strengthen its global position.

The deal, finalised on Monday 8 December 2025, brings two of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers directly into Northern Ireland’s engineering ecosystem, including the Belfast operations historically known as Shorts.

Dr Archibald described the announcement as a significant endorsement of the region’s technical expertise.

She said:

“I warmly welcome the news that this acquisition has been completed. The presence of Boeing and Airbus is a strong endorsement of our region’s engineering excellence and advanced manufacturing capability. This reflects confidence in our skilled workforce and reinforces the north’s position as a global hub for aerospace innovation.”

‘Strategic importance strengthened’ — Invest NI

Invest NI chief executive Kieran Donoghue said the acquisition reinforces Northern Ireland’s global reputation for aerospace capability.

He added:

“I am delighted to welcome Airbus and Boeing to Northern Ireland – two of the world’s leading aerospace primes.

“Northern Ireland has long been recognised as a hub for innovation in aerospace, and this development further strengthens our position on the global stage. The arrival of these two significant manufacturers underscores the strategic importance of Northern Ireland within the wider aerospace supply chain.

“It also reflects the confidence international investors have in our skilled workforce, award-winning supply chain, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative business environment.

“We will work in close partnership with both organisations to ensure a smooth integration into the local ecosystem, and to maximise opportunities for future investment.”

Impact for workers in Belfast and Prestwick

UK Government Industry Minister Chris McDonald also welcomed the development, highlighting the benefits for sites in both Northern Ireland and Scotland.

He said:

“This is positive news for workers in Belfast and Prestwick who now work for the largest manufacturers of aircraft in the world.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Airbus and Boeing as they take forward these world-class sites and bring opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs.”

A ‘historic moment’ for Shorts

Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA, Chair of the All-Party Group on Aerospace, said the move not only secures high-skilled employment but also reconnects Belfast with its aviation heritage.

He said:

“The news that Boeing has acquired Spirit Aerosystems is a significant boost for Northern Ireland’s aerospace sector. Bringing Boeing to Belfast clearly demonstrates the commitment of one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers to our highly skilled workforce, which has a proud tradition in aircraft manufacturing.

“From the Shorts Stirling and Sunderland through to the Shorts 330 and 360 commuter aircraft, this industry has long been at the cutting edge of technology. The fact that the new company in Queen’s Island, Newtownabbey, and elsewhere will be known as ‘Shorts Brothers, a Boeing Company’ reflects those historic links and signals a firm commitment to the future.”

What the acquisition means for Boeing globally

Boeing confirmed the completion of the acquisition in an international announcement.

Kelly Ortberg, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company, said:

“This is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense.

“As we welcome our new teammates and bring our two companies together, our focus is on maintaining stability so we can continue delivering high quality airplanes, differentiated services, and advanced defense capabilities for our customers and the industry.”

The deal brings all Boeing-related Spirit commercial operations into the company, including fuselage production for the 737, major structures for the 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner, as well as components for defence platforms such as the P-8 and KC-46.

It also allows Boeing to internalise its largest supplier of spare parts and expand its global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

A new division — Spirit Defense — will operate as an independent supplier under Boeing Defense, Space & Security, maintaining separate governance and operational autonomy.

What happens next for Belfast?

Portions of Spirit AeroSystems’ operations in Belfast — once part of the renowned Shorts Brothers legacy — will now become an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.

The site will continue contributing to major aerospace programmes while integrating into Boeing’s wider global network.

Spirit’s facilities in Wichita, Dallas, Tulsa and Prestwick will also begin integration, bringing around 15,000 employees under Boeing’s corporate structure.

The deal has been widely welcomed by US political leaders, who highlighted the economic and historical significance of the transition for Kansas and other aerospace hubs.