Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select assets of Bombardier aerostructures and aftermarket services businesses in Belfast, Northern Ireland (known as Short Brothers); Casablanca, Morocco; and Dallas, Texas. The acquired Bombardier operations employ more than 4,000 people at three sites comprising approximately 3.4 million square feet. The backlog of work includes long-term contracts on the Airbus A220 and A320neo, along with Bombardier business and regional jets.

According to Kansas-based Spirit, the addition of the entire work package for the A220 wing and its technology are critical for the future of next-generation aircraft. In aerostructures and fabrication, the acquired business delivers composite and metallic wing components, nacelles, fuselages and tail assemblies. It also supplies high-value mechanical assemblies made out of aluminum, titanium and steel.

The transaction, which is valued at approximately $1.1 billion, is expected to close in the first half of 2020.