Boeing, Airbus exploring framework to divvy up Spirit Aero's operations, sources say

Boeing and Airbus are edging towards a potentially coordinated deal to split operations of troubled supplier Spirit AeroSystems, taking on plants needed to support their top jet programs, people familiar with the matter said. If successful, any agreement involving the two aerospace giants would end Boeing’s 20-year effort to farm out key elements of its production process as it grapples with a sprawling crisis that erupted after a January mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX plane. But in order for Boeing to regain control of its supply chain, it has to deal with its arch-rival Airbus, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of Spirit’s revenues. The people said the world’s only two large commercial aircraft makers are exploring how to untangle their respective ties with Spirit through a carefully timed "framework" deal. All three companies are talking to each other, one of the people said, though the format of the discussions is unclear. It is rare for Airbus and Boeing to cooperate directly except on environmental or safety issues due to antitrust concerns, and it was not immediately clear if they had met face to face. Until now, Boeing has looked set to buy the whole of Spirit back in one piece and only then tackle how to sell worldwide factories that largely supply its European rival. An Airbus spokesperson said it was considering various options and declined further comment. Boeing declined comment. A Spirit spokesman said, "Organizationally, our focus remains on providing the highest quality product to our customers. That will not change."<br/>