The American company Boeing is seeking approval from the European Union to repurchase Spirit AeroSystems, the world's largest independent manufacturer of aircraft structures, according to documents published by the European Commission.
Boeing announced in July of last year that it had reached an agreement to buy its former company for about $4.7 billion in stock, in a move aimed at enhancing control over the supply chain and ensuring production stability.
Under the agreement, Airbus will take over Spirit AeroSystems' activities related to Europe, particularly the loss-making divisions focused on supporting its aircraft.
The deal, considered one of the most significant moves in the aviation industry in recent years, still requires approval from European regulatory authorities. The acquisition is currently under review by the European Commission to determine whether it will affect competition within the Union.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority approved the process this month after finding that the deal did not warrant an in-depth investigation, considering it would not harm competition in the British market.
Spirit AeroSystems is considered a key supplier to both Boeing and Airbus, manufacturing essential parts of aircraft structures such as wings and fuselage sections. Therefore, the return of the company to Boeing's ownership would give it greater control over supply chains and reduce costs, especially amid increasing pressures on the aviation industry following the COVID-19 pandemic and global disruptions in air transport.
Conversely, obtaining Airbus's European activities of Spirit is expected to enhance its market position, as it focuses on improving operational efficiency and avoiding potential shortages of critical components for its production lines.
While the deal progresses steadily after the UK approval, the EU's decision remains crucial in shaping the future of the global aviation industry, especially with the strong competition between Boeing and Airbus for dominance in the commercial aircraft market.
