Boeing Company (BA) shares held steady early Wednesday as the company notched two significant developments: regulatory approval for its Spirit AeroSystems acquisition and a major aircraft order from Air Astana.

The Federal Trade Commission finalized its consent order Tuesday, settling antitrust concerns around Boeing's planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. After a public comment period, commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the deal with conditions attached.

What Boeing Has to Do Now

The final order isn't a simple thumbs-up. Boeing must divest certain Spirit operations while continuing to provide support services to competing aerospace manufacturers. Regulators added specific language clarifying how Boeing needs to deliver ongoing compliance updates and oversight documentation.

Why the scrutiny? Officials worried the merger could choke off Airbus's access to critical aerostructure components used in rival jet programs. The agency also flagged concerns that military contractors might lose access to advanced structural technologies without proper safeguards in place.

The FTC argued these requirements will keep pricing competitive and preserve innovation across aviation supply chains. It's a window into how regulators are thinking about consolidation in aerospace, where suppliers often work with multiple aircraft manufacturers at once.

Air Astana Goes Big on Dreamliners

In separate news, Air Astana finalized an order Tuesday for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize its widebody fleet. The deal, initially announced as a commitment last November, represents the carrier's largest single aircraft purchase.

With three additional 787-9s coming through leasing arrangements, Air Astana's Dreamliner fleet could grow to as many as 18 aircraft to support its long-haul expansion plans.

BA Price Action: Boeing shares traded down 0.71% at $242.31 Wednesday. The stock is approaching its 52-week high of $254.34, according to market data.