FTC Approves Boeing's Acquisition of Spirit with Conditions
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a consent order regarding Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, requiring significant asset divestitures to maintain competition.
16.02.2026 | Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a consent order concerning Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. This order mandates Boeing to divest significant assets from Spirit to ensure fair competition in the aerospace sector.
The consent order, which was initially accepted on December 2, 2025, includes provisions that require both Boeing and Spirit to continue supplying aerostructures and related services to competing contractors involved in military aircraft programs. This is crucial to prevent any potential anti-competitive behavior that could arise from the merger.
Allegations from the FTC suggested that the acquisition could enable Boeing to increase costs or limit access to essential inputs for Airbus, its main competitor in the commercial aircraft market. Additionally, there were concerns that the merger could restrict rival military aircraft manufacturers' access to Spirit's aerostructure products and technologies.
The FTC's decision aims to safeguard competition in the large commercial and military aircraft markets, which are vital for both American travelers and national security. After a public comment period, the Commission voted 2-0 to approve the final order, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining competitive markets.
