Boeing has confirmed its acquisition of Spirit Aerosystems. As a result, Spirit AeroSystems operations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have transferred to Boeing and the site will operate as an independent subsidiary, Short Brothers, a Boeing Company. The team in Belfast will report directly into Boeing Global Services, with support from UK leadership.
“We welcome the Short Brothers family to Boeing and look forward to leveraging the team’s outstanding aerospace capabilities, further strengthening the value we bring to our customers around the world,” said Kim Smith, Senior Vice President of Boeing Global Services Quality, Operations and Execution.
Short Brothers undertakes business-jet manufacturing programmes for a number of aerospace manufacturers, including the production of fuselage sections, engine nacelles, horizontal stabilisers, and other flight components. It also has a significant aftermarket business, drawing on its unique OEM and engineering expertise, and growing Space and Defence activities. Its R&D team has a proven track record in developing, implementing and certifying innovative advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.
“The site’s rich history and legacy, in addition to its highly skilled workforce, is a strong addition to our operations in Northern Ireland where we already have robust supply chain and strategic academic partnerships,” said Sir Jeremy Quin, President, Boeing UK & Ireland.
“Boeing’s expansion of its UK footprint in Northern Ireland is a significant milestone for Short Brothers, our aerospace sector and the local economy,” said Ciara Kennedy, Vice President & General Manager, Short Brothers. “Our heritage is built on years of innovation and resilience, and joining Boeing is a huge opportunity for us to further adapt and grow with the support of a global leader.”
Through the acquisition a team at Spirit AeroSystems’ Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland, is also being integrated into Boeing. The team will align with Boeing Technology Innovation and continue their essential R&D work advancing new technologies.
Approximately 60 employees from the AIC and 2,400 Short Brothers employees join Boeing’s existing U.K. workforce, bringing the total to nearly 6,000 people.
With more than 30 sites covering commercial, defence and services operations, the UK is Boeing’s largest supply chain base outside the U.S., with more than £15 billion spent across a network of over 970 domestic suppliers since 2015.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.
The confirmation was welcomed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Invest Northern Ireland CEO Kieran Donoghue.
The Minister 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.”
Kieran Donoghue, 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.”