Airbus has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the production of wing components for its A320 and A350 aircraft at Prestwick Airport, marking a significant development for Scotland’s aerospace sector.
The deal positions Prestwick as a central site in Airbus’s global supply chain, ensuring continuity and stability for one of the region’s most important manufacturing operations.
Under the agreement, Airbus will take over the Prestwick facility from Spirit AeroSystems as part of a broader carve-up of Spirit’s assets, which is occurring in parallel with Boeing’s acquisition of the US-based supplier. The transfer is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
The Prestwick site’s inclusion in the deal underscores its strategic importance, with Airbus specifically highlighting the need to maintain a reliable supply of wing components for its flagship aircraft programmes. The move is designed to address recent supply chain challenges and safeguard jobs and expertise in Ayrshire.
In addition to Prestwick, Airbus will acquire Spirit’s production facilities in Belfast, North Carolina, France, Morocco, and Kansas, while Spirit’s remaining assets are being divided between Airbus and Boeing.
As part of the arrangement, Airbus will receive a $439 million payment from Spirit to reflect the current unprofitability of the operations being acquired, and will extend $200 million in non-interest-bearing credit lines to support ongoing Airbus programmes.
“For many years, Spirit’s collaboration with Airbus allowed us to deliver aerostructures for some of their most important aircraft programs,” said Irene Esteves, Spirit AeroSystems Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
“Entering into this agreement is a significant milestone as we work towards the closing of the Boeing acquisition, to the benefit of Spirit, its stockholders and other stakeholders.”
This transition is a major milestone for Prestwick Airport, reinforcing its role as a linchpin in European aerospace manufacturing and securing its future as a key Airbus affiliate.