Spirit completes 737 thrust-reverser building expansion

Spirit AeroSystems said Wednesday it has completed expansion of its thrust reverser facility and delivered to Boeing the first 737 Max thrust reverser with a composite inner wall.

The Wichita-based aircraft supplier said the 45,000-square-foot expansion at its South Oliver site allows Spirit to produce 94 thrust reversers a month for the 737. A thrust reverser helps slow a jet upon landing.

Higher thrust reverser production is part of a planned production rate increase on the 737. Boeing plans to begin producing 47 737s a month in 2017 compared with the current rate of 42 a month.

Spirit manufactures 70 percent of the Boeing 737, including the fuselage, pylons, engine nacelles and wing leading edge.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Spirit completes 737 thrust-reverser building expansion."