Workers at Wichita, Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems — a manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets — began strike action at midnight on June 23 following the overwhelming rejection of a four-year deal proposed by management.
The company anticipates that its Wichita production operations will remain on hold until a resolution is reached with the union representing its workers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).
In a June 26 press release, Spirit AeroSystems said it participated in “constructive and positive meetings” with IAMAW over the weekend, and that it will “continue talks” with the union through the week.
“We have been working hard and making good progress,” said Tom Gentile, president and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems. “We . . . remain committed to a timely resolution on a fair and competitive contract that addresses the priorities of our employees and other stakeholders.”
An extended closure of Spirit’s Wichita plant could have a significant impact on the aircraft manufacturers it supplies, including Boeing and Airbus. The company manufactures roughly 70 percent of Boeing’s best-selling 737 Max aircraft, including the fuselage, pylons, wing leading edges, thrust reversers, and engine nacelles. Spirit also has a hand in producing Boeing’s 787, 767, and 777/777X jets. Moreover, Spirit is an Airbus supplier, producing parts for the OEM’s A220, A320, and A350 programs.
Both Boeing and Airbus have recently announced intentions to ramp up production of their aircraft – namely the 737 Max and A220, respectively. Boeing hopes to increase production of its 737 aircraft to 38 per month later this year, and to 50 per month by 2025/26. Airbus, on the other hand, is looking to ramp up monthly production of its A220 aircraft at its Mirabel, Quebec, and Mobile, Alabama, facilities to 10 and four units, respectively.
While Spirit manufactures parts for a variety of Bombardier business jets, deliveries come from Spirit’s Belfast, U.K., site rather than its Wichita plant. As such, Bombardier said in a statement that “aircraft assembly and delivery activities at Bombardier sites continue as planned.”
In addition to its Wichita and Belfast sites, Spirit has other facilities in the U.S. and U.K., as well as sites in France, Malaysia, and Morocco.
