Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. [NYSE: SPR], the world's largest independent supplier of commercial airplane assemblies and components, today announced that it will design and build the wing for the new Gulfstream G250 super mid-size business jet. Spirit will design and produce the wing at its Tulsa, Okla., facility and ship it to Israel Aerospace Industries for incorporation with the rest of the airframe.

"We are extremely proud to provide another flight-ready wing for Gulfstream," said Don Carlisle, Vice President and General Manager of Spirit's Tulsa Division. "We are looking forward to bringing more than 45 years of experience designing and manufacturing wing structures to the program."

The G250 wing is the second product Spirit has won on a Gulfstream program this year. In March, Spirit was awarded the design and manufacture of the wing for the all new Gulfstream G650.

"The G250 work package solidifies Spirit's role in the business jet market and is another step in our journey to diversify the business base," said Jeff Turner, Spirit President and CEO.

Spirit has had a team working on the G250 wing concept and design for the past 21 months. Initial test components will be delivered later this year. The first flight of the G250 is scheduled for the second half of 2009, with customer deliveries planned for 2011.

The G250 features an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G250 can take off from a 5,000-foot runway. The G250 offers the largest cabin and longest range at the fastest speed in its class. It is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, where it can avoid air traffic congestion and adverse weather.