Airbus is nearing a deal with Spirit AeroSystems to take over parts of the aerospace supplier’s work on some of its key aircraft programmes, paving the way for Boeing to purchase the rest of the group.
Under the agreement, Airbus would take over the work that Spirit does for its A220 and A350 aircraft programmes at several sites around the world, including in Belfast in Northern Ireland, said several people familiar with the discussions.
Talks are “moving in the right direction”, these people said. An announcement could come as early as next week although they cautioned that it could yet slip as discussions continue on what is a complex agreement between the three companies. Boeing is expected to take over the bulk of Spirit’s operations, including its main facility in Kansas.