In July 2024, Boeing announced its plan to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems, a critical supplier based in Wichita, Kansas, known for manufacturing fuselages for the 737 Max jetliners. This acquisition, valued at approximately $8.3 billion, came after a year of negotiations and was formalized in December 2025, marking a significant shift in Boeing's approach to manufacturing. The move is partly a response to production setbacks and safety criticism stemming from a serious incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane, where a door panel detached mid-flight due to multiple missing bolts, raising questions about Boeing's quality control measures. The recent acquisition also aims to enhance Boeing’s ability to ensure the safety and reliability of its aircraft, addressing both regulatory scrutiny and rebuilding confidence after the previous grounding of the 737 Max following fatal accidents in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 individuals. In the wake of these events, Boeing intends to bring major assembly processes back in-house, reversing its earlier strategy of outsourcing, which has faced significant criticism. CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized the importance of this acquisition for the stability and quality of Boeing’s aircraft production moving forward, stating it represents a pivotal moment for the company increasingly focused on ensuring high safety standards and maintaining operational integrity.