On Sep. 23, Spirit AeroSystems Inc. formally opened its new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) repair station in Europe. The Spirit facility, based at the Spirit AeroSystems European headquarters in Prestwick, Scotland, will support customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The new facility, which has received its European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, will perform composite repairs and overhauls. The initial scope of work is focused on engine nacelles and components for Boeing 737NG and 777 aircraft.

"After announcing our plans for this new repair station last year, it is exciting to see our vision take flight," stated Carolyn Harms, VP/GM for Spirit's Aftermarket Customer Support Business Unit. "Everyone involved has worked hard to make this happen, and our initial customer responses have been extremely positive."

"The MRO facility brings a new service into the Prestwick based operations of Spirit, as well as some new customers," added Neil McManus, Vice President and Managing Director of Spirit Europe. "It demonstrates how the quality and skill level of our workforce can be used to provide our customers with a vital service for their aircraft."

Spirit's European repair station complements its recently expanded Wichita, Kan., repair center, in operation since 2002, which serves primarily North America-based customers. Spirit is also involved in a joint venture to establish a composite and metal bond component service center located near Xiamen, China. In conjunction with its joint venture partners, Taikoo Spirit AeroSystems (Jinjiang) Composite Co. will provide world-class repair services for aircraft operators across the Asia-Pacific region upon its completion in the fourth quarter of 2009.

About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.

Based in Wichita, Kan., Spirit AeroSystems is the world's largest independent supplier of commercial airplane assemblies and components. In addition to its Kansas facility, Spirit has operations in Tulsa and McAlester, Okla., Prestwick, Scotland, and Samlesbury, England. In the U.S., Spirit's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components. Additionally, Spirit provides aftermarket customer support services, including spare parts, maintenance/repair/overhaul and fleet support services in North America and Europe.