Contract talks between Boeing and the union representing roughly 1,600 former Spirit AeroSystems engineers have been paused until January 5. The delay follows Boeing’s recent acquisition of Spirit’s fuselage and wing operations, while Airbus acquired some other parts of the company.

Boeing is seeking European Union approval to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, the world’s largest standalone aerostructures company, according to documents on the European Commission’s website.

Boeing Co.’s $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. is set to undergo an antitrust investigation by the UK’s competition authority, the country’s watchdog confirmed.

Airbus (AIR.PA) has officially sealed a deal to acquire select assets from Spirit AeroSystems, both companies announced late Sunday.