Airbus has explored buying Spirit A220 wings plant -sources

PARIS/MONTREAL (Reuters) - Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems have explored the idea of the European planemaker taking over a plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where Spirit makes wings for the A220 but no such deal is likely in the short term, industry sources said.

An Airbus spokesperson said it had no comment on M&A speculation.

A spokesperson for Spirit, which has said it is in ongoing contractual price negotiations with Airbus, said "We continue discussions with Airbus. We value our partnership with Airbus".

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Allison Lampert, Editing by Louise Heavens)