Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, engaged in a dialogue with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg regarding aviation safety and the future of Boeing’s operations in Kansas. This conversation arose in the context of Boeing's ongoing process to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, recognized as Kansas' largest private employer with around 12,000 employees.
Senator Moran emphasized the significance of the acquisition for Kansas' aerospace sector, noting, “Boeing is in the process of acquiring Spirit AeroSystems - the largest private employer in Kansas, employing about 12,000 people,” and highlighted the broader ecosystem of small businesses working with Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. He stressed the importance of sustaining Kansas’s role in Boeing's aircraft production, especially with the potential new generation aircraft. He stated, “With the acquisition, the statement was made, that the work could more likely occur in Kansas. You are going to build a new aircraft someday, what’s the plan for where that work will take place?”
In response, CEO Ortberg reaffirmed Boeing's intention to continue its operations in Kansas, emphasizing, “Let me just assure you that Spirit AeroSystems and the work we do in Kansas is critically important.” He assured that the company is making substantial capital investments to acquire Spirit AeroSystems and plans to keep and possibly expand work in Kansas, citing hope for further opportunities post-acquisition closure.
This dialogue signals Boeing's commitment to maintaining its operational presence in Kansas, potentially affecting numerous small businesses in the region that are integrated into the aerospace industry.
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