The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a consent order governing Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, imposing conditions designed to maintain competitive dynamics in the aerospace supply chain. The order requires Boeing to divest specified operations and commit to providing ongoing support services to rival aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, addressing regulatory concerns that the combination could restrict competitor access to critical aerostructure components.
Under the agreement, Boeing must ensure that independent suppliers retain viable alternatives for sourcing essential parts used in commercial aircraft production. The FTC determined that without these remedies, the merged entity could leverage its enhanced market position to disadvantage competitors reliant on aerostructure supply. The consent order represents the commission's effort to balance industry consolidation with preservation of the competitive landscape.
In related commercial developments, Air Astana has separately finalized a purchase order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The order underscores continued demand for Boeing's wide-body aircraft despite ongoing industry headwinds.