Kristina Roberts
In a move that could reshape the global aerospace industry, Boeing is reportedly close to receiving approval from the European Union (EU) for its $4.7 billion purchase of Spirit AeroSystems. According to people familiar with the matter, the EU’s competition authority is ready to give Boeing a conditional green light, meaning the deal will only go through if Boeing agrees to make certain changes. These changes will mainly involve selling some of Spirit’s business units to ensure fair competition in the market.
This approval is seen as a major step for Boeing, which has been trying to strengthen its manufacturing and supply chain after facing several production and safety issues in recent years. Spirit AeroSystems, once part of Boeing itself, has been one of the company’s key suppliers. By bringing Spirit back under its control, Boeing hopes to reduce production delays, improve quality control, and rebuild confidence among customers and regulators.
Boeing first announced its plan to buy Spirit AeroSystems in July 2024. The deal was valued at around $4.7 billion, a figure that shows how important this acquisition is for Boeing’s long-term plans. The company wants to simplify its supply chain and improve efficiency in aircraft production, especially for its best-known planes like the 737 and 787. Spirit AeroSystems builds major components for these aircraft, such as fuselages and wings, making it a critical part of Boeing’s operations.
However, this deal also raised concerns among European regulators. The European Commission, which oversees competition across the EU, wanted to make sure that Boeing’s acquisition would not hurt other companies or lead to unfair advantages in the aircraft manufacturing market. After months of review, the Commission decided that the deal could move forward only if Boeing agreed to certain conditions.
According to insiders, Boeing’s solution involves selling some parts of Spirit’s business that are linked to Airbus, its biggest rival. These include Spirit’s loss-making operations in Europe that mainly serve Airbus aircraft programs. Boeing is also expected to sell Spirit’s sites in Prestwick, Scotland, and Subang, Malaysia. Both these facilities currently provide components for Airbus planes. Additionally, some parts of Spirit’s operations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that do not work directly with Airbus programs may also be sold off.
These steps are meant to ensure that Airbus continues to have a fair and reliable supply chain and that no single company gains too much power in the aviation market. The European Commission is expected to announce its final decision on the deal by October 14.
When asked for comments, both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems declined to respond. However, analysts believe that both companies have been preparing for this outcome for months. The decision to sell certain parts of Spirit’s business was part of the original plan when the acquisition was announced, suggesting that Boeing anticipated these regulatory hurdles.
Britain’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has already cleared the deal in August without imposing any conditions. This approval from the UK gave Boeing a major boost, showing that regulators outside the EU were more comfortable with the acquisition. The US authorities are also expected to look closely at the deal, though most experts believe it will eventually be approved given Boeing’s importance to the American economy.
The relationship between Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems goes back decades. Spirit was once a part of Boeing but was spun off in 2005 to operate as an independent company. Since then, Spirit has supplied major components not only to Boeing but also to Airbus and other aircraft makers. However, the company has struggled in recent years due to rising costs, production challenges, and financial losses. Many analysts have said that Spirit found it difficult to thrive on its own in such a competitive market.
Reacquiring Spirit could help Boeing regain tighter control over its manufacturing process. This is especially crucial at a time when the company has been under intense scrutiny for safety and quality issues. The crisis that began with the grounding of the 737 MAX aircraft in 2019 deeply affected Boeing’s reputation and finances. The company has since faced several setbacks, including production slowdowns and delays in aircraft deliveries.
By bringing Spirit back into its fold, Boeing hopes to solve many of these challenges. The move is part of Boeing’s broader strategy to stabilize its operations, restore investor confidence, and reassure airlines that its aircraft are safe and reliable. Industry experts say the acquisition could also give Boeing more flexibility to manage costs, improve coordination, and speed up the manufacturing process.
Still, this merger is not just about business strategy—it reflects Boeing’s attempt to recover from a difficult chapter in its history. The company, once seen as the pride of American aviation, has been trying to rebuild trust with customers, employees, and regulators. Many believe that this deal could mark a turning point for Boeing if managed well.
While Boeing focuses on finalizing the Spirit deal, it continues to face challenges from Airbus, which has outperformed it in aircraft deliveries and new orders in recent years. The European giant has maintained steady growth and is currently seen as the leading plane manufacturer in the world. By acquiring Spirit, Boeing hopes to compete more effectively and bring back its dominance in the aerospace industry.
As of now, the European Commission’s final decision remains the last major hurdle before the deal can move forward. If approved, the $4.7 billion acquisition could be officially completed before the end of 2025. For Boeing, this would not only strengthen its control over a vital part of its supply chain but also signal a strong comeback after years of setbacks and uncertainty.
This moment could define Boeing’s next chapter—one focused on efficiency, quality, and trust. Whether this bold step will truly help Boeing rise again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the skies are watching closely.
