22 February 2005

Governor Sebelius Comments on Boeing Sale

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today offered an upbeat assessment of the Onex Corporation’s purchase of Boeing’s Wichita-based commercial aircraft business. “Given Onex’s excellent track record of generating growth in the businesses they acquire, I’m optimistic that this acquisition will have a positive impact on the Wichita community,” she said.

“In fact,” she continued, “Onex might well contribute to Wichita’s growth by increasing its business with local firms such as Bombardier, Cessna, and Raytheon Aircraft.”

“Still,” Sebelius noted, “this is a bittersweet day for Wichita and Kansas as a whole, in that our long and strong relationships with Boeing have stood as a solid foundation of our state’s economy. I commend Boeing for its highly responsible approach in selecting a well qualified, forward-looking buyer for its commercial aircraft operations.”

Given that Onex will continue as a major Boeing supplier, many close ties to the aerospace giant will remain. In addition, Boeing will maintain a Wichita presence with its substantial military business.

Sebelius said, “This sale represents change, but it can be change for the better, given Boeing’s great potential and Onex’s record of creating growth through effective and responsible management. As Governor, I look forward to working with Onex as this corporation becomes a major player in the Kansas economy.”