The American aerospace company Boeing plans to regain Spirit, which was part of it until 2005, in a transaction valued at nearly $5 billion. However, the European Commission expressed concerns that the takeover could threaten market balance, especially in relations with Europe's Airbus. Spirit supplies aircraft structures to both of these giant aircraft manufacturers.
The commission was concerned that Boeing, after taking over Spirit, could limit or worsen supplies to Airbus, as well as gain access to confidential commercial data of the European competitor. To avoid such scenarios, the EC set a condition that Boeing must sell all Spirit plants that currently cooperate with Airbus. Additionally, the American company will be obliged to sell the Malaysian factory that supplies aviation structures to the local company CTRM.
The American station CNN recalled that Spirit has been involved in controversial incidents in recent years, including the case of a door falling off during the flight of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft belonging to Alaska Air. Initial findings indicated that the four missing screws in the door may have been related to improperly made rivets that came from the Spirit factory.
The European Commission's decision clearly shows that sensitivity to competitiveness and safety issues in the aviation sector remains a priority. In order to finalize the transaction, Boeing will have to meet all the conditions imposed by the European Commission, which is to protect the interests of European Airbus and maintain balance in the global aviation market.
