Spirit AeroSystems Aftermarket Customer Support Signs Spare Parts Agreement with Ethiopian Airlines

Oct. 10, 2012
It will provide thrust reverser, fuselage, and wing component spare parts for Ethiopian Airlines' fleet of Boeing aircraft.

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. [NYSE: SPR] and ­­­­Ethiopian Airlines announced the signing of a supply agreement whereby Spirit Aftermarket Customer Support (ACS) will provide thrust reverser, fuselage, and wing component spare parts for Ethiopian Airlines' fleet of Boeing aircraft. This multi-year contract will enable Ethiopian Airlines to obtain predictable and competitive pricing for all parts in the Spirit catalog while ensuring availability for key parts and components.

"We are proud that Ethiopian Airlines has decided to partner with Spirit AeroSystems on this important support agreement," said Mike Williams, VP/GM of Spirit Aftermarket Customer Support. "As this is our first contract customer in Africa, this is a significant milestone for our company as we continue to expand our global support footprint."

Ethiopian Airlines' fleet includes the following aircraft: Five Boeing Next-Generation 737-700, seven 737-800W [three with Sky Interior], four 757-200, two 757-260F (cargo), 12 767-300, five 777-200LR and one 787 Dreamliner.

On the web: www.spiritaero.com/aftermarket

About Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems, with headquarters in Wichita, Kan., USA, is one of the world's largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. In addition to its Wichita and Chanute facilities in Kansas, Spirit has locations in Tulsa and McAlester, Okla.; Kinston, N.C.; Prestwick, Scotland; Preston, England; Subang, Malaysia; and Saint-Nazaire, France. 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, Europe and Asia. Spirit Europe produces wing components for a host of customers, including Airbus.

About Ethiopian Airlines  
Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 69 international destinations spanning four continents. Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 21,555 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries. Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won Gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the "AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award" for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and "the Airline of the Year 2009 Award" from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern aircraft and its fast expanding network, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.

Ethiopian is proud to be the first in Africa to fly the much awaited, state-of-the-art B787 Dreamliner aircraft in mid-August 2012. Ethiopian is continuously striving to enhance its customers' travel experience with a fast expanding network and the introduction of new aircraft. In the subsequent 12 months alone, Ethiopian will enter into service 14 additional new aircraft, including four ultra-modern B787 Dreamliners and three B737-800s with Sky Interior.

SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.