Air TransportBoeing required to divest Spirit AeroSystems assets to proceed with $8.3bn acquisition
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has mandated that Boeing divest certain Spirit AeroSystems assets as a condition for advancing its $8.3 billion acquisition, announced on Tuesday in Washington, DC.
The requirement addresses regulatory concerns about Boeing’s potential influence over key segments of the aerospace supply chain if the deal proceeds without remedies.
The FTC has initiated a 30-day public comment period on the proposed order. The agency’s decision obliges Boeing to sell Spirit units that supply structural components to Airbus.
Following news of the FTC’s decision, Boeing shares fell by 3.2 percent. The divestiture may complicate the merger process, which Boeing aimed to complete by year-end.
“We welcome the FTC’s approval for the Spirit AeroSystems acquisition. While the transaction is not yet fully complete, we remain committed to finalizing the remaining steps. This development will enhance our ability to deliver safe, high-quality aircraft to our customers and the public,” Boeing said.
Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave said on Tuesday during a UBS conference that the company’s recovery is ‘in full force’ and outlined expectations for increased deliveries of the 737 and 787 aircraft in 2026 compared to 2025.
Malave noted that Boeing aims to complete the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems by the end of this year. He acknowledged that November’s deliveries were ‘a bit low’ but maintained that the company remains focused on long-term targets.
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