Uncertain future for over 2,700 Belfast aerospace jobs as takeover stalls

Concerns are mounting for the future of Northern Ireland’s largest private employer, with 2,700 jobs at risk at Spirit Aerosystems’ factory in Belfast.

The site impasse stems from complications in a takeover deal involving Boeing, which has agreed to acquire Spirit, and Airbus, which has said it will buy only the portion of the A220 aircraft wing manufacturing plant.

Spirit, a major supplier to the global aviation sector, had hoped to sell the remainder of its Belfast operations – covering six sites including west Belfast – to a new buyer. However, the failure to secure any firm commitments exacerbated concerns among workers and union representatives. The pre-Christmas update provided little clarity, leaving the workforce prepared for the potential fallout as Boeing’s deal to buy Spirit is set to expire by mid-year.

Although Christian Scherer, Airbus’s chief commercial officer, confirmed interest in the separate Spirit site in Prestwick, Scotland, there has been no concrete update on Belfast. George Brash, of Unite, warns that the plant could be “collateral damage” if a buyer is not found in time. He is urging Airbus – which already operates large facilities in France and Germany – to consider taking control of the entire Belfast plant, which employs nearly 3,800 people in total.

The factory’s origins date back to 1936, when Short Brothers built it to produce military aircraft during World War II. More recently, its capabilities have ranged from manufacturing Rolls-Royce engine casings to components for Bombardier business jets. However, part of Spirit’s problems came in the wake of an incident in Malaysia, where a defective plug in the door of a 737 Max was returned to a Spirit-owned facility, prompting Boeing to begin an acquisition process.

Union officials fear that if Airbus opts for A220 wing operations alone, the rest of the complex could be scrapped, dealing a devastating blow to Northern Ireland’s aviation sector. In response, Spirit confirms that it is actively looking for a new investor or owner who can nurture the Belfast business and protect its long-term viability.

While Airbus is optimistic that a solution regarding Prestwick may be forthcoming, it remains silent on any parallel rescue plan for Belfast. As the summer deadline approaches, tension continues to rise among Spirit’s workforce, who feel they have been left in limbo and are demanding answers – along with more direct support from political leaders – to protect thousands of skilled manufacturing roles in the region.