Spirit AeroSystems this year will break ground in Wichita for new 34,800m2 (375,000ft2) factory to build and test the fuselage for the Cessna Citation Columbus, one of several business aircraft structure contracts the company has recently won.
Along with the metal fuselage and empennage for Columbus - a $27 million large-cabin business jet set for entry into service in 2014 - Spirit at its various global manufacturing facilities will also build the wing, nacelle and thrust reverser for Gulfstream's G650. The company will also construct the cockpit and cabin for Sikorksy's CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter and a section of the Airbus A350's cabin as well as its wing fixed leading edge and spar. Existing work includes fuselages and components for Boeing commercial aircraft.
Spirit plans to spend as much as $80 million on the Columbus facility, part of a broader $260 million investment in its Wichita facilities that will bring an estimated 700 jobs to the area of Kansas with payroll value of more than $42 million. State and local authorities pledged to contribute $17.7 million in cash to the overall project, along with a 10-year property tax abatement.
 |
|---|
© Cessna |
Source: Flight International
