Boeing seeks EU approval for $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems

Spirit AeroSystems reported in its second-quarter earnings that it expects to close the transaction in late 2025 if required divestitures and regulatory approvals are secured. Some business losses recorded last quarter were attributed to preparations for transferring certain assets and sites to Airbus as part of these conditions.

If approved, Spirit will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing. Former Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said at the time of announcement: "the merger was in the best interest of the company, its customers, and the flying public." He added that it would allow Boeing to "fully align its commercial production systems, including its Safety and Quality Management Systems."

The UK CMA found that while Boeing and Spirit are vertically linked—since Spirit supplies aerostructures for both commercial and military aircraft—the merger does not pose concerns about reduced competition within UK markets.

Spirit AeroSystems manufactures parts for various Airbus and Boeing models such as the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, A350, and A220 family aircraft. The company's net loss last quarter approached $700 million.

Founded in 2005 when Boeing spun off its Wichita division and Oklahoma operations, Spirit evolved into an independent supplier working with major aerospace companies including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Bell Helicopter, and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation.

Airbus stands to gain stability in supply chains through its own pending acquisition agreements with Spirit covering activities such as A350 fuselage sections (produced in Kinston, North Carolina; St. Nazaire, France), A220 wings and mid-fuselage (Belfast; Casablanca), and A220 pylons (Wichita).

For Boeing’s part, bringing Spirit back under its control is intended to streamline supply chains while reducing costs and enhancing quality control across programs.

If all approvals are obtained as expected by late 2025 or sooner, industry observers believe this realignment could impact both Boeing’s manufacturing efficiency and Airbus’ component sourcing strategies.