Boeing has formally expanded its UK presence following the completion of its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, bringing major aerospace operations in Northern Ireland and Scotland under Boeing ownership.
As part of the deal, Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast operations have transferred to Boeing and will operate as an independent subsidiary under the name Short Brothers, a Boeing Company. The site will report directly into Boeing Global Services, supported by Boeing’s UK leadership team.
Kim Smith, Senior Vice President of Boeing Global Services Quality, Operations and Execution, said: “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.”
Short Brothers is a long-established aerospace manufacturer, producing fuselage sections, engine nacelles, horizontal stabilisers and other flight components for a range of business jet and aerospace programmes. The site also supports a significant aftermarket business and has been expanding its activities in space and defence, supported by in-house engineering and research and development expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.
Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK & Ireland, said the acquisition reinforced Boeing’s long-term commitment to Northern Ireland. “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,” he said.
Ciara Kennedy, Vice President and General Manager of Short Brothers, said: “Boeing’s expansion of its UK footprint in Northern Ireland is a significant milestone for Short Brothers, our aerospace sector and the local economy.” She added: “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.”
The acquisition also brings Spirit AeroSystems’ Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick, Scotland, into Boeing. Around 60 staff at the centre will be integrated into Boeing Technology Innovation, where they will continue research and development work on new aerospace technologies.