07:07 AM EDT, 03/20/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to add Airbus comments in the fourth and fifth paragraphs.)

Boeing ( BA ) is examining ways to have its fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) slash ties to rival Airbus as it seeks to reacquire the one-time subsidiary, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Among the options Boeing ( BA ) is exploring is spinning off Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) components that supply Airbus as a separate business. Fuselage and wing parts for Airbus projects generated about 19% of Spirit AeroSystems's ( SPR ) 2023 revenue, Reuters reported.

Airbus is also examining ways it can trip up its competitor by forcing Boeing ( BA ) to buy out Spirit's contracts with the European planemaker, Reuters quoted a source as saying.

In a statement to MT Newswires, Airbus said it is in discussions with Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) to protect its supply chain and "to define a more sustainable way forward, both operationally and financially" to procure components it provides.

"We can confirm that we are in early-stage discussions on a variety of options, including acquiring from Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) some of the activities that they carry out for us," the company.

Boeing ( BA ) did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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