Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. [NYSE: SPR], the world's largest independent supplier of commercial airplane assemblies and components, today provided a progress update and media tour at its new 500,000-square-foot facility under construction at the North Carolina Global TransPark near Kinston. Spirit officially broke ground at the 304-acre site almost exactly one year ago, and reports all is on schedule to commence operations next year.  

"Construction progress is on track and on budget for Spirit's brand new facility. We are working very well with local partners and couldn't be more pleased with the welcome we have received," said Rick Davis, Spirit Operations Director for the North Carolina site. "Our preparations on the important A350 XWB work statements for our customer, Airbus, are proceeding equally well."  

Spirit announced a contract with Airbus in May 2008 to design and produce the A350 XWB's composite fuselage structure, known as Section 15, which will be approximately 65 feet long, 20 feet wide and weigh nearly 9,000 pounds. The company also will produce the front spars for the aircraft's wings at the Kinston plant. Structures from the new facility will be shipped by road, rail, and sea.  

Spirit expects to commence operations at the Global TransPark during the 3rd quarter of 2010 with approximately 250 employees, and grow to about 700 over the next few years on the Airbus work statements. Spirit fully expects to meet the intended job creation numbers. Core team hiring has already begun.  

Early next year, Spirit will begin offering manufacturing job opportunities including: engineers, operations team members, business and program management support, and operations support. We will be interested in prior experience and select the best candidates to perform the job descriptions identified. Training that may position candidates for possible operations opportunities will soon be available through Lenoir Community College. Information can be found at www.lccaerospace.com.  

All hiring at Spirit begins at the company website: www.spiritaero.com. More information is also available at Spirit's careers website: www.makeitfly.aero.