Connect with us

MRO & Manufacturing

FTC Approves Boeing’s $8.3B Spirit AeroSystems Deal with Divestitures

The FTC approved Boeing’s $8.3B acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems requiring divestitures of key manufacturing assets to Airbus and CTRM by 2025.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from the Federal Trade Commission and additional market research.

FTC Clears Boeing’s $8.3 Billion Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems with Strict Divestiture Conditions

On December 3, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a decisive regulatory order permitting Boeing to proceed with its $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. However, the approval comes with significant strings attached: Boeing must divest critical manufacturing assets to preserve competition within the global aerospace supply chain.

According to the official announcement, the FTC’s order is designed to prevent the consolidation of control over components essential to Boeing’s primary rival, Airbus. By mandating these divestitures, regulators aim to ensure that the reintegration of Spirit into Boeing does not negatively impact the production capabilities or costs of competing manufacturers.

Mandated Divestitures and Asset Transfers

To resolve antitrust concerns, the FTC has identified specific “Airbus-facing” operations that must be separated from Spirit AeroSystems before or concurrent with the merger’s closing. These requirements align with similar regulatory frameworks established by authorities in the UK and Europe.

Transfer of Operations to Airbus

Boeing is required to transfer ownership of several key facilities directly to Airbus. These sites are responsible for producing fuselage sections and wing components for the A350, A220, and A320 programs. As outlined in the regulatory findings, the specific facilities include:

  • Kinston, North Carolina (USA): Manufacturing of A350 fuselage sections.
  • St. Nazaire (France): Assembly of A350 fuselage sections.
  • Belfast (Northern Ireland): Production of A220 wings and mid-fuselage sections.
  • Casablanca (Morocco): Production of A220 and A321 components.
  • Prestwick (Scotland): Manufacturing of wing components for the A320 and A350.
  • Wichita, Kansas (USA): Specific production lines dedicated to A220 pylons.

Financial disclosures regarding the deal structure indicate that Airbus will receive approximately $559 million in compensation from Spirit to assume these work packages, which have historically been loss-making for the supplier.

Sale of Malaysia Facility to CTRM

In addition to the transfers to Airbus, the FTC has mandated the sale of Spirit’s manufacturing facility in Subang, Malaysia. This site, which supplies components to both major aircraft manufacturers, will be acquired by Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM).

According to deal terms referenced in market reports, the value of this transaction is approximately $95.2 million. The sale to an independent third party is intended to prevent Boeing from gaining leverage over a facility that produces parts for its competitors.

Strategic Context: Reversing a Two-Decade Strategy

This acquisition marks a profound strategic pivot for Boeing, effectively undoing the 2005 decision to spin off its Wichita commercial aircraft division to create Spirit AeroSystems. That original separation was driven by a philosophy of focusing on “systems integration” rather than heavy manufacturing, a strategy that has faced intense scrutiny in recent years.

Advertisement

The move to re-acquire Spirit was accelerated by a series of quality control crises, most notably the January 5, 2024, incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. By bringing Spirit back in-house, Boeing aims to eliminate the friction of “traveling work” and regain direct oversight over the quality of its fuselages.

AirPro News Analysis

We view the FTC’s swift decision as a pragmatic conclusion to a complex negotiation. While the divestitures are extensive, they were largely anticipated by the market. The “firewall” provisions mandated by the FTC, ensuring Spirit’s defense unit continues to supply contractors like Northrop Grumman without sharing proprietary data with Boeing, are critical for maintaining trust in the defense sector.

Financially, the immediate burden falls on Boeing to absorb Spirit’s debt and operational losses while ramping up 737 MAX production. However, analysts project that the consolidated operations could generate approximately $1.2 billion in annual cost synergies by 2026. For Airbus, securing the Belfast wing production facility is a significant strategic victory, insulating its A220 program from Boeing’s influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the merger expected to close?
The merger is expected to formally close by the end of 2025, with divestitures occurring concurrently or immediately following the closing.

What is the total value of the deal?
The total value is approximately $8.3 billion, which includes an equity value of roughly $4.7 billion and the assumption of Spirit’s net debt.

How did the market react?
Following the announcement, Boeing shares slid approximately 2.5% to 3%, reflecting investor caution regarding the integration process, while Spirit shares rose slightly, signaling confidence that the regulatory hurdles have been cleared.

Sources:
Federal Trade Commission

Photo Credit: Boeing

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

MRO & Manufacturing

Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network

Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.

Published

on

Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network

On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.

The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.

Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem

According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.

The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:

  • Facility: A 35,000-square-foot hangar located at New Castle Airport (KILG), a key hub for business aviation traffic between New York and Washington, D.C.
  • Mobile Response: A fleet of 14 mobile repair units capable of providing “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) support across the United States.
  • Workforce: A team of specialized technicians and support staff, estimated at approximately 30 employees, who will join Bombardier’s U.S. operations.

Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.

“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”

Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions

Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.

Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context

This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.

Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians.

Advertisement

The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the acquiring entity?

The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.

What happens to the current workforce?

The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.

Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?

While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.

Sources

Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions

Continue Reading

MRO & Manufacturing

Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026

Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.

Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026

At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.

According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.

Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance

The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.

In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.

Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction

A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.

“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”

, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal

Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments

The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region.

Advertisement

According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.

Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.

AirPro News Analysis

The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.

Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Satair-Joramco agreement?
The agreement focuses on the supply of “consumables and expendables”, essential spare parts used in daily aircraft maintenance. It ensures Joramco has a reliable inventory to prevent delays.
How long have the two companies been partners?
Satair and Joramco have maintained a partnership for over 25 years.
What is Joramco?
Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) is the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and a leading independent MRO provider based in Amman, Jordan.
What other major news emerged from MRO Middle East 2026?
Joramco signed a 5-year maintenance deal with Condor, and Satair announced an expansion into the used parts market via a partnership with GAMECO.

Sources

Photo Credit: Satair

Continue Reading

MRO & Manufacturing

Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026

Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.

Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026

Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.

Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.

Scope of the Renewed Agreement

According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.

This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.

In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.

“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”

, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco

Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion

The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance.

Advertisement

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.

Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.

About the Companies

Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.

mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.


Sources:

Photo Credit: Joramco

Continue Reading
Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Advertisement

Follow Us

newsletter

Latest

Categories

Tags

Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Popular News