US Manufacturing: Boeing’s US$1bn Kansas Investment

Boeing announced a US$1bn investment over the next three years in its Wichita Aerospace Facility as well as an investment in training, which seeks to help its backlog of more than 6,000 aircraft.

This follows Boeing’s acquisition of Kansas based spirit airlines at the end of 2025 which Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg called “a pivotal moment in Boeing's history”.

The investment is designed to upgrade the facilities and expand employee training. 

Boeing wrote in a post on Linkedin: “We are investing US$1bn over the next three years in Wichita to upgrade facilities, expand employee training and boost production. This is to empower the 13,000+ talented teammates at this site who make it all possible.”

Spirit Aerospace acquisition

Boeing’s investment in Kansas builds on its acquisition of Kansas based Spirit Aero systems in December of 2025. 

Kelly said at the time: "This is a pivotal moment in Boeing's history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems' commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense.

"As we welcome our new teammates and bring our two companies together, our focus is on maintaining stability so we can continue delivering high quality airplanes, differentiated services and advanced defense capabilities for our customers and the industry."

Training programs in Wichita

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) announced the Boeing Workforce Training Center in May of 2026, a Boeing backed facility to develop and sustain a skilled aerospace workforce in Wichita.

Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, says: “Wichita’s aerospace industry depends on a steady pipeline of skilled technicians and Boeing’s investment helps remove barriers and expand access to hands-on pathways to high-demand careers. We’re grateful for Boeing’s continued partnership in Wichita.” 

Aircraft backlog and skills gap

Boeing has an order backlog of more than 6,100 airplanes and Boeing Wichita builds major structures for every Boeing commercial airplane.

The US also faces a skills gap in the manufacturing sector, which is exacerbated by the “turbulent economic environment" which is having an adverse impact on training levels​​​​​, according to information from the Manufacturing Institute. 

Boeing’s investment in the approximately 35,000-square-foot center will feature classrooms, specialised training labs, employee testing and assessment areas, according to a press release issued by WSU Tech.