Wichita, April 23 - Spirit AeroSystems’ chief engineer and technology officer, Sean Black, has been appointed to lead the company’s Wichita, Kansas, site following Boeing’s anticipated acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems later this year, according to letters from both companies dated April 22, 2025. This strategic leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in the reintegration of Spirit, a key aerostructures manufacturer, into Boeing’s operations, nearly two decades after Boeing spun off its Wichita division in 2005. The acquisition, valued at $4.7 billion in equity and $8.3 billion including Spirit’s debt, is expected to close by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals, and aims to bolster Boeing’s manufacturing capabilities amid ongoing quality control challenges.
.gif)
Sean Black, a seasoned engineer with extensive experience in aerospace technology, will assume the role of general manager of Boeing Wichita, overseeing not only the Wichita facility but also operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and portions of Spirit’s plants in Prestwick, Scotland, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Letters from Spirit AeroSystems CEO Pat Shanahan and Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope, seen by Reuters, highlight Black’s appointment as a move to ensure continuity and expertise at the Wichita site, a critical hub for producing fuselage sections for Boeing’s 737 and 787 aircraft. Black will report directly to Pope, who also serves as Boeing’s executive vice president, underscoring the strategic importance of his role in aligning Spirit’s operations with Boeing’s broader objectives. Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino praised Black’s leadership, stating, “Sean’s experience, talents, and leadership skills will serve this site and the Wichita community well into the future.”
The acquisition follows a tumultuous period for both companies, particularly after a January 2024 incident involving a door plug blowout on a Boeing 737 Max 9, which raised scrutiny over manufacturing quality at Spirit’s Wichita plant. Boeing’s decision to reacquire Spirit reflects a shift from its earlier outsourcing strategy, aiming to enhance oversight of production processes. The deal also involves a complex transatlantic restructuring, with Airbus set to acquire Spirit’s unprofitable European operations, including facilities in Casablanca, Kinston, and St. Nazaire, for $559 million in compensation. The letters suggest that some work at Belfast and Prestwick not absorbed by Airbus will fall under Boeing’s purview, with Black tasked with managing these assets.
Wichita, often dubbed the “Air Capital of the World,” stands to benefit from this leadership appointment and the broader acquisition. Spirit, employing approximately 12,000 workers, is the city’s largest employer, and the reintegration into Boeing is expected to stabilize operations and potentially create jobs as Boeing ramps up 737 production. Black’s appointment signals a commitment to leveraging technical expertise to address past quality issues, positioning Wichita as a cornerstone of Boeing’s manufacturing future. As the acquisition progresses, Black’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges of integration and ensuring the Wichita site’s continued prominence in global aerospace production.