Aerospace dealmaking gathers pace as jet production ramps up

• Deal volume through August 2026 totaled $14 billion across 154 transactions, nearing the annual record of 159 deals set in 2019, according to Janes Capital Partners data
• Boeing has stabilized production under new leadership, delivering 600 jets in the most recent year (most since 2018) and on track to exceed that in 2026, while Airbus aims for 870 deliveries this year
• Buyers are targeting suppliers with scarce skilled labor and specialized manufacturing capabilities, with competition intensifying particularly from private equity firms as a pandemic-era backlog of held companies comes to market

Summary: Aerospace Dealmaking Accelerates on Production Recovery

Mergers and acquisitions in the aerospace supply chain are surging as stabilizing production schedules from Boeing and Airbus boost buyer confidence in long-term demand. Through August, 154 publicly disclosed commercial aerospace transactions occurred, approaching the 2019 record of 159 deals, according to Janes Capital Partners data.

Key Figures:

• 154 deals through August valued at $14 billion (excluding September's GE transaction)
• 2023 saw 157 deals worth $37.5 billion
• 2019 peak: 159 deals totaling $21.3 billion
• 2020 pandemic low: 82 deals worth $3.3 billion

Major Transactions:

• GE Aerospace acquired Consolidated Precision Products (September, value undisclosed)
• Parker Hannifin purchased Circor's aerospace division from KKR for $2.6 billion (May)
• France-based DEMGY acquired Tool Gauge (2024, undisclosed price)

Production Recovery:

Boeing deliveries rebounded from pandemic lows of 157 jets (2020) to 600 in the most recent year, with production now stabilizing under new leadership. Airbus aims to deliver 870 jets this year, exceeding its pre-pandemic 2019 record of 863.

Market Drivers:

Strategic buyers are pursuing vertical integration and securing critical components, targeting suppliers with specialized manufacturing capabilities and scarce skilled labor. Private equity firms, which held portfolio companies longer than typical during pandemic disruptions, are now bringing assets to market as valuations become clearer.

Implications:

Industry experts note deal activity closely tracks production rate increases. Competition for suppliers is intensifying, with even small machine shops reporting multiple daily acquisition inquiries. The trend reflects growing confidence in aerospace recovery despite Boeing's ongoing operational challenges.