Boeing in talks to rebuy manufacturer linked to mid-air blowout

Boeing is in talks to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit AeroSystems was involved in a mid-air explosion of one of its airliners earlier this year, which sparked a backlash and led to several lawsuits.

“We have worked closely with Spirit AeroSystems and its leadership to enhance the quality of the commercial aircraft we build together,” Boeing said in a statement. statement Friday. “As a result of our collaboration, we can confirm that preliminary discussions have taken place to make Spirit AeroSystems part of the Boeing Company again.”

news, first reported The Wall Street Journal article comes more than a month after a Boeing 737 Max 9 experienced an “explosive decompression” during a flight that caused a door panel to fly off. Spirit Aerosystems manufactured the fuselage and door plug that exploded during an Alaska Airlines flight, leaving a gaping hole in the plane.

Spirit AeroSystems was spun off from Boeing in 2005, according to the Associated Press. The company has faced intense scrutiny over the years over the quality of its aircraft panels and problems with the panels not being properly installed, according to the Associated Press.

Boeing said in a statement: “The reunification of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems’ manufacturing operations will further enhance aviation safety, improve quality, and serve the interests of our customers, employees, and shareholders. ”, he added.

“While there is no guarantee that we will be able to reach an agreement, we are committed to finding ways to continue to improve the safety and quality of the airplanes that millions of people depend on every day.” the statement reads.

In the days following last month’s Alaska Airlines incident, Boeing and Spirit stock prices fell nearly 9% and 14%, respectively.

Earlier this month, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Boeing had “quality issues” after the agency’s preliminary report found that four bolts that were supposed to secure the plane’s door plugs were missing. There is a problem with management.” What happened last month.

“I think there are issues with quality assurance, quality control. And that’s exactly what we’re looking at right now,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Following an audit by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing was given 90 days to develop a plan to address “systemic quality control” issues.

The Hill reached out to Spirit AeroSystems.