MRO & Manufacturing
Boeing and Union Pause Contract Talks for Wichita Spirit Employees
Boeing and SPEEA pause contract negotiations for 1,600 Wichita Spirit AeroSystems staff until January 2026 amid complex reintegration logistics.
Negotiations between The Boeing Company and the union representing approximately 1,600 white-collar workers at the newly re-acquired Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita have been halted until the new year. According to reporting by Reuters, labor officials confirmed on Wednesday that talks are paused until January 5, 2026.
The pause involves the Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU), represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). These negotiations are critical as Boeing works to integrate the workforce following its official $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, which closed on December 8, 2025.
The decision to suspend talks comes just weeks before the current contract is set to expire on January 31, 2026. Reports indicate that Boeing requested the delay to manage the complex logistics of reintegrating Spirit’s operations into the wider Boeing enterprise. The company cited “complications related to the reunification” as the primary driver for the pause.
While SPEEA agreed to the schedule change, union leadership expressed significant dissatisfaction with the delay. SPEEA negotiator Wes Gardner voiced strong criticism regarding the company’s preparedness.
“I’m incredibly pissed off by this demonstrated lack of respect.”
, Wes Gardner, SPEEA Negotiator (via SPEEA/Reuters)
The union contends that Boeing had months to prepare for the Acquisitions and should have been ready to proceed with these critical discussions without interruption.
The backdrop of these negotiations is Boeing’s strategic move to re-acquire Spirit AeroSystems, a company it spun off in 2005. The acquisition is part of a broader effort by the planemaker to regain direct control over the quality of its fuselage production following a series of Manufacturing issues, including the January 2024 door plug incident.
The integration process brings approximately 15,000 former Spirit employees back under the Boeing umbrella. This massive logistical undertaking requires harmonizing different payroll systems, benefit structures, and union agreements. The WTPU represents non-engineering professionals, such as supply chain specialists, planners, and technical analysts, who are now seeking parity with their Boeing counterparts. The current friction contrasts with the recent success of the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU), another group represented by SPEEA. In November 2025, the WEU ratified a four-year agreement that included a 23% wage increase, guaranteed bonuses, and improved retirement benefits. This deal serves as a significant benchmark for the WTPU, which is reportedly seeking similar gains, including:
The pause in negotiations highlights the friction inherent in reversing a two-decade-old corporate spinoff. While Boeing’s request for time to manage “reunification” logistics is operationally plausible, the timing creates a high-pressure scenario. With the contract expiration looming on January 31, the window for negotiation has narrowed significantly.
We observe that the union possesses considerable leverage. The successful ratification of the engineering contract sets a clear floor for the WTPU’s expectations. Furthermore, the narrative of “reunification” empowers the union to demand immediate parity with legacy Boeing employees. If a deal is not reached by the end of January, the resulting labor unrest could threaten the stability of 737 fuselage production just as Boeing attempts to stabilize its Supply-Chain.
Boeing and Union Pause Contract Talks for Former Spirit AeroSystems Staff
Negotiation Timeline and Union Frustration
Context: The “Reunification” of Spirit AeroSystems
Precedent Set by Engineering Unit
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Fernando Salazar
MRO & Manufacturing
ST Engineering Opens Integrated Airframe and Nacelle MRO Centre in Singapore
ST Engineering launches a new Singapore centre combining airframe and nacelle MRO services to reduce turnaround times and streamline logistics.
This article is based on an official press release from ST Engineering.
ST Engineering has officially opened a new integrated airframe and nacelle Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service centre in Singapore. Announced on February 2, 2026, this facility marks a significant shift in the company’s operational strategy, becoming the first location within its global network to physically combine airframe and nacelle maintenance capabilities under a single roof.
The new centre is designed to function as a “one-stop shop” for airline operators, addressing long-standing industry challenges regarding logistical complexity and aircraft downtime. By co-locating these critical maintenance services, ST Engineering aims to streamline the supply chain and offer a more unified service experience for its commercial aerospace clients.
Traditionally, airframe maintenance and nacelle (engine housing) repairs are often handled as separate work scopes, sometimes requiring airlines to coordinate with different vendors or transport components to specialized off-site shops. This fragmentation can lead to increased administrative overhead and longer periods where the aircraft is out of service.
According to the company’s press release, the new Singapore facility eliminates this separation. Operators can now schedule nacelle maintenance concurrently with heavy airframe checks (such as C-checks). This concurrent processing is expected to significantly reduce “turnaround time” (TAT), a critical metric for airlines focused on maximizing fleet utilization.
Beyond speed, the integration offers logistical benefits. Consolidating these services reduces the need to ship large nacelle components to separate locations, thereby cutting freight costs and minimizing the risk of transport-related delays. The facility utilizes advanced tooling and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) approved processes to ensure technical consistency across both airframe and nacelle domains.
Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, highlighted the strategic value of this integration in a statement:
“This integrated service centre in Singapore strengthens our global MRO network and gives customers more flexibility… By streamlining communications, maintenance scheduling and work scope management, we now offer a true one-stop experience.”
While ST Engineering already operates specialized nacelle facilities in Stockholm, Baltimore, and Xiamen, the Singapore centre is unique in its hybrid operational model. This development is part of a broader expansion strategy for the company within the Asia-Pacific region and globally. The launch of this integrated centre follows a series of aggressive moves by ST Engineering to bolster its aerospace capabilities. In September 2025, the company opened a new facility in Paya Lebar, Singapore, designed to double its engine maintenance capacity for CFM56 and LEAP engines. More recently, in January 2026, the company secured a five-year exclusive nacelle MRO contract with LOT Polish Airlines for their Boeing 787 fleet, underscoring its growing influence in the nacelle market.
The Shift Toward Vertical Integration
The establishment of this integrated centre reflects a wider trend in the MRO sector toward vertical integration. As airlines face increasing pressure to optimize costs and reduce downtime, they are moving away from fragmented vendor networks in favor of providers who can handle larger portions of the aircraft maintenance scope. By combining airframe and nacelle services in a major aviation hub like Singapore, ST Engineering is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the market by simplifying accountability and logistics for its customers.
ST Engineering Launches Integrated Airframe and Nacelle MRO Centre in Singapore
Integrated Solutions for Faster Turnaround
Streamlining the Supply Chain
Expanding Global MRO Footprint
Recent Strategic Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: ST Engineering
MRO & Manufacturing
VSE Corporation to Acquire Precision Aviation Group in $2 Billion Deal
VSE Corporation agrees to acquire Precision Aviation Group for $2.025 billion, expanding its aviation aftermarket and MRO capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from VSE Corporation.
VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Precision Aviation Group (PAG) for approximately $2.025 billion. The transaction, described by the company as “transformational,” aims to solidify VSE’s position as a leading independent provider of aviation aftermarket distribution and repair services. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
According to the official announcement, the acquisitions will significantly expand VSE’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. By integrating PAG’s network, VSE projects an increase in its pro forma 2025 aviation revenue by approximately 50%, adding roughly $615 million in annualized revenue.
The total consideration for the acquisition is valued at approximately $2.025 billion. VSE Corporation outlined the financial structure of the deal, which includes a mix of cash and equity:
To fund the cash portion of the transaction, VSE has secured a fully committed bridge facility. The company also noted that recent equity offerings have helped strengthen its balance sheet in preparation for strategic moves of this magnitude. GenNx360 Capital Partners will retain a minority equity stake in the combined entity following the close of the transaction.
VSE Corporation views this acquisition as a critical step in its multi-year strategy to become a pure-play aviation aftermarket leader. The combination of VSE and PAG will create a global network comprising approximately 60 locations. The company expects the deal to be immediately accretive to margins, projecting that the high-margin nature of PAG’s business will drive VSE’s consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin above 20% in the coming years.
John Cuomo, President and CEO of VSE Corporation, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal in a statement:
“This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for VSE and a major milestone in our strategy to build a scaled, differentiated, higher-margin aviation aftermarket platform.”
The acquisition brings deep technical expertise in avionics, components, and accessories to VSE, complementing its existing engine support and distribution services. VSE targets over $15 million in annualized run-rate synergies, which it plans to achieve through cross-selling opportunities, insourcing repairs, and operational efficiencies.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Precision Aviation Group is a prominent provider of MRO services and supply chain solutions for mission-critical aircraft. The company operates 29 repair stations and distribution facilities worldwide. PAG serves a diverse range of sectors, including commercial aviation, business and general aviation (B&GA), rotorcraft, and defense. Pratik Rajeevan of GenNx360 Capital Partners expressed confidence in the future of the combined platform:
“Our significant equity rollover reflects our conviction in PAG’s momentum and in VSE’s ability to scale the platform.”
This acquisition arrives at a time when the aviation aftermarket is experiencing heightened demand due to global fleet dynamics. With delays in new aircraft deliveries from major manufacturers, airlines are operating older aircraft for longer periods. This “aging fleet” trend directly benefits MRO providers like PAG and VSE, as older airframes require more frequent maintenance and parts replacement.
Furthermore, ongoing supply chain constraints have placed a premium on available inventory. By combining VSE’s distribution capabilities with PAG’s repair stations, the merged entity is likely positioning itself to better control the supply chain and capture value from the current market scarcity. However, the significant cash component of the deal will increase VSE’s leverage, making the rapid realization of the projected $15 million in synergies and strong cash flow generation critical for de-leveraging in the post-acquisition period.
Prior to this announcement, VSE reported strong financial performance, with Q3 2025 revenue reaching $283 million, a 39% increase year-over-year. The company’s full-year 2025 revenue guidance was set between $1.1 billion and $1.15 billion. Following the integration of PAG, VSE anticipates a temporary spike in net leverage but targets a long-term ratio of 3.0x to 3.5x, intending to use free cash flow to reduce debt rapidly.
Sources: VSE Corporation (Business Wire)
VSE Corporation to Acquire Precision Aviation Group in $2 Billion Deal
Transaction Structure and Financing
Strategic Rationale and Market Impact
Profile of Precision Aviation Group
AirPro News Analysis
Financial Outlook
Photo Credit: VSE Corporation
MRO & Manufacturing
C.E. Precision Assemblies Expands Aerospace Manufacturing in Chandler AZ
C.E. Precision Assemblies expands to a 39,757 sq ft facility in Chandler, Arizona, adding jobs and scaling aerospace manufacturing under Amphenol.
This article is based on an official press release from the City of Chandler.
C.E. Precision Assemblies (CEPA), a manufacturers specializing in cable assemblies and wire harnesses for the aerospace and defense sectors, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Chandler, Arizona. Now operating as an Amphenol company following recent acquisitions, CEPA has secured a new facility that will nearly quadruple its current operational footprint.
According to a press release issued by the City of Chandler, the company has signed a lease for a 39,757-square-foot facility located at 7155 W. Detroit St. within the West Chandler Employment Corridor. This move marks a major transition from their current location on West Frye Road, signaling a robust period of growth for the 35-year-old manufacturer.
The expansion is expected to generate between 20 and 30 new jobs over the next two years as the company scales its manufacturing lines to meet increasing demand from defense and aerospace clients. The move-in date is currently projected for May 2026.
The new facility represents a strategic upgrade in both size and capability. The 39,757-square-foot space is a modern flex-industrial building constructed in 2019. Unlike older industrial stock, this facility features 100 percent air-conditioning, a critical requirement for precision manufacturing in the Arizona climate, along with high ceilings and improved loading capabilities.
Greg Brinjak, Site Director for CEPA, emphasized the company’s long-standing relationship with the region in a statement provided by the city:
“We have been in Chandler for 35 years and need a larger facility to meet increased demand for our products. Continuing to grow in Chandler is important to us, and we are glad to have found a long-term home here.”
Real estate services for the transaction were managed by CBRE, representing CEPA, and Cushman & Wakefield, representing the landlord. The location places CEPA in the heart of the West Chandler Employment Corridor, a hub that already hosts major industry players such as Intel, Northrop Grumman, and Avnet.
CEPA’s expansion occurs against the backdrop of significant changes in its corporate ownership. Founded in 1986, the firm was acquired by Trexon in October 2023. Subsequently, in November 2025, Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH), a Fortune 500 leader in interconnect systems, completed the acquisition of Trexon. Consequently, CEPA now operates under the Amphenol umbrella, leveraging the global resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect manufacturers. Local officials have welcomed the reinvestment in the local economy. Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke noted the significance of retaining established manufacturers:
“We congratulate C.E. Precision Assemblies as they expand their footprint in Chandler. We greatly appreciate their investment in our community and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
The expansion of C.E. Precision Assemblies highlights a broader trend of consolidation and scaling within the aerospace supply chain. As major defense primes ramp up production for missile systems, UAVs, and radar platforms, Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers like CEPA are under pressure to increase throughput.
The acquisition by Amphenol likely provided the capital confidence required to commit to a facility four times the size of the previous one. For the City of Chandler, retaining a legacy manufacturer that has now been absorbed into a Fortune 500 structure validates the West Chandler Employment Corridor’s status as a critical node in the U.S. defense industrial base.
Beyond the physical expansion, the move reinforces the local labor market. The projected addition of 20 to 30 new employees adds to the region’s dense concentration of engineering and technical talent. Micah Miranda, Chandler’s Economic Development Director, highlighted the trust implied by the lease signing:
“When a company like CEPA chooses to reinvest in Chandler, it shows a tremendous amount of trust. They know Chandler is a stable, pro-business community that will be a partner in their growth.”
The facility’s location offers immediate access to Interstate 10 and the Loop 202 freeway, facilitating logistics for the transport of complex wire harnesses and RF/microwave cable assemblies essential to modern aerospace applications.
Sources:
C.E. Precision Assemblies Expands Aerospace Manufacturing Footprint in Chandler, Arizona
Operational Expansion Details
Corporate Structure and Market Context
AirPro News Analysis
Economic Impact
Photo Credit: City of Chandler
-
Business Aviation3 days agoBombardier Responds to U.S. Tariff and Certification Threats
-
Business Aviation4 days agoUS Threatens to Decertify Bombardier Jets in Canada Trade Dispute
-
Technology & Innovation7 days agoGE Aerospace Tests Battery-Less Hybrid Electric Engine for Narrowbody Jets
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries6 days agoAdani and Embraer to Launch India’s First Private Regional Jet Assembly Line
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoNTSB Attributes Fatal 2025 DCA Mid-Air Collision to Systemic Failures
