• 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker

Boeing Global Services has announced a new agreement with Spirit AeroSystems Inc for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of 737 MAXs.

The deal with Spirit AeroSystems Inc and its affiliates will focus on nacelle and flight control repairs which Boeing believes will improve the robustness of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.

Boeing 737 MAX 10 (4) (2)
Boeing is hoping to see a 100-strong order from Delta Air Lines for its Boeing 737 MAX 10 this week. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

A deepening of ties

Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems already work closely together on the MAX. Spirit AeroSystems is the original production manufacturer of the fuselage, thrust reverser, slats, and flaps. However, the latest deal with Boeing will be the first pooling program that the company has offered for these specific high-value large structural parts. The deal will help Boeing to expand its parts services and be able to respond to customer needs.

Mini Desai, vice president of Commercial Spares and Managed Parts, Boeing Global Services, said:

“With this agreement, Boeing Global Services is strategically positioned to assist all 737 MAX operators by providing lease and exchange programs to respond quickly to unforeseen events. Our business serves our customer base beyond the sale of aircraft, and now we can expand lease and exchange support for aerostructures with Spirit AeroSystems”.

The deal is a win for Spirit AeroSystems, which has rapidly built up its MRO operations over the past few years. The agreement will also be welcomed by current and future global operators of the 737 MAX, who will now enjoy more options from Boeing in regards to MRO.

Responding to the news, Kailash Krishnaswamy, senior vice president of Aftermarket Services for Spirit, said:

“Spirit is thrilled to be selected by Boeing Global Services as its global partner for 737 MAX aerostructures repair, including Nacelles and Flight Control Services. Over the last three years, we have expanded from a single MRO center in Wichita to five MRO centers on four continents, which will allow us to serve Boeing’s global customers locally. This strategic partnership will allow us to provide customized, high-quality MRO solutions at industry leading turn-around times for our customers’ 737 MAX nacelles and flight controls.”

Dozens of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from many airlines parked at an airfield.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Who is Spirit AeroSystems?

Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business and regional jets. The company has expertise in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing.

While the company’s core products are fuselages, integrated wings and wing components, pylons, and nacelles, the company is also a supplier of military aerostructures. Spirit has also focussed on high-temperature materials, which enable warfighters to execute complex missions.

This announcement is the second bit of good news for the company today after it also managed to seal an agreement with Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) regarding repairs in mainland China.

Under that deal, GAMECO will provide repair services to replace Boeing 757 RB211 inlet cowlings and A330 Trent inlet cowlings with plans to later expand into nacelle work for Spirit customers. Spirit’s Aftermarket business revenues have grown substantially from $186 million in 2019 to $239.9 million in 2021, and it is aiming to grow its Aftermarket business to $500 million in revenue by 2025.

What do you think of this latest deal? Let us know in the comments below.