Boeing Poised to Gain EU Approval for $4.7 Billion Spirit Deal

Boeing is on track to secure European Union antitrust approval for its proposed USD 4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, according to sources familiar with the matter. The deal, one of the most closely watched in the aerospace sector, would reunite Boeing with a key supplier that was spun off nearly two decades ago and is now central to its commercial aircraft production.

To address regulatory concerns about competition, Boeing has agreed to significant divestitures, including the sale of Spirit’s European operations to Airbus. This arrangement is designed to prevent market distortions in the supply of major aircraft components, particularly fuselage sections and wing parts used by both Boeing and Airbus. The transaction also includes the divestment of Spirit’s facilities in Scotland, Malaysia, and Belfast—sites that manufacture critical components for Airbus aircraft such as the A220 and A320 families.

The European Commission, which oversees competition policy across the EU, is expected to issue its decision by October 14. Regulators have been examining whether Boeing’s reacquisition of Spirit could reduce competition in the global aerospace supply chain, especially given the company’s dominant role in large commercial aircraft manufacturing. The planned sale of the European assets to Airbus is seen as a key remedy to alleviate these concerns.

Industry analysts note that the acquisition is strategically vital for Boeing as it works to stabilize production of its 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and upcoming 777X programs. Spirit AeroSystems, which builds fuselage and structural components for Boeing’s commercial jets, has faced financial and quality challenges in recent years, causing ripple effects across Boeing’s manufacturing operations. By bringing Spirit back under direct control, Boeing hopes to improve quality oversight, production efficiency, and supply chain resilience.

The deal also underscores the increasingly cooperative yet competitive relationship between Boeing and Airbus. While Airbus will acquire key European facilities from Spirit, the divestitures ensure continued production independence and supply stability for its own aircraft programs.

If approved, the transaction will mark one of the largest aerospace industry consolidations in recent years and a major milestone in Boeing’s ongoing recovery strategy. A positive ruling from the European Commission would follow anticipated approvals from U.S. regulators, clearing the path for the acquisition to close later this year.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com