By Shubhangi Chowdhury
Britain’s competition regulator has launched a Phase 1 investigation into Boeing’s proposed acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, with a decision expected by August 28. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had announced last week that it was considering whether the deal might hurt competition in the UK or other markets.
Once the deal receives greenlight, it will bring Spirit AeroSystems back under Boeing’s control, nearly 20 years after it was separated in 2005 to cut costs. The merger means Boeing will again own a major supplier that helps build parts for its 737, 787 Dreamliner, and other commercial planes.
Boeing announced plans last year to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock deal valued at $4.7 billion. The move aims to simplify its supply chain and strengthen quality control, marking a reversal of its earlier decision to spin off the key supplier.
READ: Boeing and GE Aerospace secure $96 billion deal from Qatar Airways (May 15, 2025)
Earlier in April, Airbus has entered into definitive agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to facilities its core aircraft programs, the company announced through a press release on their site. With the help of this agreement, Airbus will take over the ownership of seven production sites, including A350 fuselage plants in Kinston, North Carolina and St. Nazaire, France, A321/A220 component facilities in Casablanca, Morocco, wing and pylon manufacturing in Prestwick, Scotland and Belfast, Northern Ireland, A220 pylon production in Wichita, Kansas.
As part of the deal, Spirit will pay Airbus $439 million, which is slightly less than the earlier estimate of $559 million due to some adjusted liabilities. On its part, Airbus will provide Spirit with a $200 million interest-free credit line to help continue work on Airbus-related projects.
This agreement is in align with Boeing moving forward with its $4.7 billion all-stock acquisition of Spirit while Boeing is repetitively under scrutiny for its systematic safety issues.
Boeing has found itself under intense scrutiny as safety concerns surrounding its aircraft have escalated this year. From the mid-air panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX in January to the recent Air India Dreamliner crash, the company has faced a wave of criticism over manufacturing lapses and quality control failures.
READ: Boeing shares fall nearly 5% after deadly crash in India kills over 200 (June 12, 2025)
Investigations have pointed to missing bolts, flawed documentation, and gaps in oversight, with issues that appear not just isolated but part of a larger, systemic problem. Regulatory bodies NTSB have responded firmly, capping production rates and introducing new safety directives.
The NTSB report mentioned, “Boeing’s lack of adequate training, guidance, and oversight for factory workers” as a main cause of such disheartening incidents. With those 19 safety recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including retrofits and improved oversight. While FAA has also proposed a new airworthiness directive for 787‑9 and 787-10 concerning cargo barrier fittings, with public comments due by August 11.