Boeing buys Spirit AeroSystems in $4.7 billion deal

TULSA, Okla. — Airplane maker Boeing will be taking over the operations of a Tulsa aerospace company.

Boeing announced plans in March to re-buy Spirit AeroSystems. The company was originally spun off in 2005 but still makes major parts of several Boeing models, including the fuselages for the 7-37 Max. The parts are then shipped to Boeing's factories for assembly.

Spirit has been involved in several safety issues for Boeing, including the door plug blowout in January.

As part of the $4.7 billion transaction, the Tulsa Facility and all of its employees will be merged into Boeing's operations. No one will be losing their jobs in Tulsa as part of the sale. Spirit currently employs a few hundred people in Tulsa, but no head county was given to FOX23.

Mike Neal, CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, released a statement on the acquisition:

“Today’s announcement by aerospace giant Boeing that it plans to acquire Spirit AeroSystems signals that Tulsa remains a strong player in the aerospace and aviation industry. We have a longstanding, stellar partnership with both Boeing and Spirit and stand behind them as their synergies in manufacturing and engineering begin to take shape.

Boeing already enjoys a solid presence and excellent support in Oklahoma. We look forward to partnering with the companies as they work through this transition and are excited to have an industry leader such as Boeing back in Tulsa.”

Spirit AeroSystems also makes parts for Boeing's rival, Airbus.

Airbus says as part of the acquisition it will buy Spirit's "major activities" related to its company for $1. The European aircraft giant will also get $559 million from Spirit as compensation.