Boeing Receives Key Regulatory and Financial Boost

The American aerospace giant Boeing has secured a trio of significant developments, signaling a potential turnaround after a prolonged period of operational challenges. In a single day, the company cleared a major regulatory hurdle for a critical acquisition, landed a substantial defense contract, and received further evidence of financial stabilization.

In a move that strengthens international defense ties, the U.S. State Department approved a weapons sale to Canada valued at $2.68 billion. Boeing, alongside RTX Corp, is named as the primary contractor for the package, which includes air strike weapons and associated equipment. This deal provides a considerable boost to Boeing's Defense, Space & Security unit and reinforces North American security cooperation.

Antitrust Approval Paves Way for Spirit AeroSystems Reintegration

Separately, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) granted its final clearance on Wednesday for Boeing's planned $8.3 billion reacquisition of key supplier Spirit AeroSystems. To secure approval, Boeing has agreed to divest production lines that supply components to its rival Airbus. These facilities, located in Northern Ireland, North Carolina, France, Morocco, and Scotland, were part of anticipated concessions and will not delay the transaction's completion. Boeing anticipates finalizing the deal before the end of the year.

Company leadership expects the reintegration of Spirit to streamline its supply chain and enhance quality control for the troubled 737 and 787 programs—a central priority following months of manufacturing issues.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Boeing?

Cash Flow Turns Positive Amid Ongoing Charges

Financial metrics are also showing signs of improvement. For the third quarter of 2025, Boeing generated a positive free cash flow of $238 million, marking a notable shift after consecutive months of negative figures. The overall quarterly result was weighed down by a one-time charge of $4.9 billion, primarily related to further delays in the 777X program, now postponed until 2027.

Operationally, the picture is brighter. The company's order backlog stands at $636 billion, comprising over 5,900 commercial aircraft orders. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized an increase in 737 MAX production to 42 aircraft per month.

Focus Shifts to Execution and Integration

With the FTC's green light and the new Canadian defense contract, Boeing enters the new year with renewed momentum. The primary focus now turns to execution: the speed and success of integrating Spirit AeroSystems and the ability to ramp up 737 production as planned in the first quarter of 2026. The upcoming release of fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, expected in late January, will offer the next clear indicator of whether this positive trend is sustainable.