Helen Massy-Beresford
Michael Bruno
October 17, 2025

Spirit AeroSystems assembly line

The end of Spirit AeroSystems will mark a return to a time when OEMs made their own aerostructures.

Credit: Spirit AeroSystems

One of aerospace manufacturing’s worst experiments so far this century could finally come to an end in the coming weeks or months if Boeing closes its acquisition of most of Spirit AeroSystems, the aerostructure giant based in Wichita. What comes next for Boeing and Spirit has yet to be revealed…

Helen Massy-Beresford

Based in Paris, Helen Massy-Beresford covers European and Middle Eastern airlines, the European Commission’s air transport policy and the air cargo industry for Aviation Week & Space Technology and Aviation Daily.

Michael Bruno

Based in Washington, Michael Bruno is Aviation Week Network’s Executive Editor for Business. He oversees coverage of aviation, aerospace and defense businesses, supply chains and related issues.

Goodbye, Large Independent Aerostructure Companies is available to both Aviation Week & Space Technology and AWIN subscribers.

Subscribe now to read this content, plus receive critical analysis into emerging trends, technological advancements, operational best practices and continuous updates to policy, requirements and budgets.

Already a subscriber to AW&ST or AWIN? Log in with your existing email and password.

Subscribe    Log in