Company Description
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is described in public disclosures as a global aerospace company that develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. According to available information, Boeing is also identified as a top U.S. exporter with a U.S. and global workforce and supplier base that support its aerospace programs across commercial and government markets.
Based on company descriptions and segment references, Boeing operates across commercial airplanes, defense, space and security, and global services. The commercial airplanes activities include the production and delivery of aircraft families such as the 737, 767, 777 and 787 programs, which are cited in Boeing’s delivery updates and in its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ commercial operations. These airplanes are used by airlines around the world for domestic and international routes, and Boeing’s order announcements with carriers and lessors highlight its role as a key supplier to the global airline industry.
In its defense, space and security activities, Boeing is involved in military aircraft, rotorcraft, and related systems. Deliveries disclosed by the company include AH-64 Apache helicopters (new and remanufactured), CH-47 Chinook helicopters, F-15 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, KC-46 tankers, MH-139 helicopters, P-8 aircraft and commercial and civil satellites. Boeing also works with defense customers such as the Royal Australian Air Force on programs like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft, where it has demonstrated autonomous air-to-air weapon engagements in cooperation with other platforms.
The global services activities referenced in public descriptions encompass aftermarket support for airlines and other operators. Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems brought its largest supplier of spare parts into the company and expanded its maintenance, repair and overhaul footprint, as well as its rotable, lease and exchange portfolio. These activities support airlines and other customers throughout the lifecycle of their fleets.
Boeing’s role as a manufacturer and integrator is reinforced by its relationships with airlines, aircraft lessors and government agencies. Recent announcements describe orders from Delta Air Lines for 787 Dreamliners, from Alaska Airlines for 737 and 787 aircraft, and from Aviation Capital Group for 737 MAX jets. These orders illustrate how Boeing’s commercial airplanes are used to support fleet modernization, international expansion and high-density route networks for its customers.
The company also emphasizes technology development and testing. Through its ecoDemonstrator program, Boeing uses operational aircraft to test new technologies in areas such as digital communications between the flight deck, air traffic control and airline operations centers. The program has been used to evaluate Internet Protocol Suite standards and other technologies intended to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
Boeing’s activities extend into space systems and satellites, as indicated by references to commercial and civil satellite deliveries and its broader description as a developer of space systems. In addition, Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems included commercially procured fuselages for defense-related aircraft such as the P-8 and KC-46, and led to the establishment of Spirit Defense as a non-integrated subsidiary within Boeing Defense, Space & Security to support U.S. defense and space programs.
The company’s disclosures and news releases repeatedly highlight core values of safety, quality and integrity as guiding principles for its operations. Boeing states that its workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact, and it participates in industry and community initiatives such as sponsorship of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention, support for youth admission, and programs aimed at inspiring future aviation professionals.
From a corporate and financial perspective, Boeing files regular reports and current reports on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings cover topics such as quarterly financial results, credit agreements, significant acquisitions, executive appointments and board changes. For example, Boeing has reported entering into revolving credit agreements, completing the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, and making changes to its executive leadership and board of directors.
According to its SEC filings, Boeing is incorporated in the United States and maintains its principal offices in Arlington, Virginia. The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BA, and its filings reference both common stock and convertible preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption.
Business Segments and Activities
Public descriptions and disclosures indicate that Boeing’s activities can be grouped into the following broad areas:
- Commercial Airplanes: Development, manufacture and delivery of commercial jetliners such as the 737, 767, 777 and 787 programs to airlines and lessors worldwide.
- Defense, Space & Security: Military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and patrol aircraft, tankers, satellites and autonomous systems, including programs like AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, F-15, F/A-18, KC-46, P-8 and MQ-28 Ghost Bat.
- Global Services and Aftermarket: Aftermarket support for airlines and other operators, including spare parts, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and asset management activities expanded through the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ aftermarket businesses.
- Space Systems: Development and support of space-related systems, reflected in references to commercial and civil satellites and broader space systems activities.
Corporate Transactions and Partnerships
Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems is described by the company as a pivotal transaction that strengthens commercial production and supply chain stability. The acquisition includes Spirit’s Boeing-related commercial operations, fuselage production for several Boeing programs, and certain operations in locations such as Wichita, Kansas; Dallas, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Portions of these operations are being integrated into Boeing’s commercial and services businesses, while Spirit Defense is being operated as an independent supplier within Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Boeing also maintains long-term relationships with airlines and lessors. Its partnership with Alaska Airlines spans multiple decades and has included deliveries of various Boeing aircraft types. Relationships with customers such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Aviation Capital Group are highlighted in news releases that describe orders for 737 MAX and 787 aircraft and collaborative technology testing.
Research, Development and Technology Demonstration
The ecoDemonstrator program is a central example of Boeing’s approach to testing technologies in an operational environment. Using aircraft such as a United 737-8, Boeing and partners have tested advanced digital communications systems intended to improve information flow and support future air traffic management concepts. The program has evaluated numerous technologies related to safety, fuel use, emissions, noise and passenger experience.
Governance and Regulatory Reporting
Boeing’s SEC filings provide insight into its governance and financial arrangements. The company reports on changes in its board of directors and executive leadership, such as the election of new directors and the appointment of executive officers. It also discloses material agreements, including revolving credit facilities with major financial institutions, and reports quarterly financial results through press releases furnished on Form 8-K.