Aircraft makers both claim WTO win

Article reports that Airbus and Boeing both seized on a long-awaited World Trade Organisation report that was sent to the parties on the 23 March 2010 (not yet formally published) to claim victory in a US case alleging the European aircraft maker received billions of dollars in illegal subsidies.

People familiar with the 1,000-page confidential document said the WTO had ruled Airbus had received improper subsidies for its A380 superjumbo, the world’s largest passenger jet, as well as five other lines of aircraft.

Airbus conceded the WTO had found 'elements of subsidy' in past government loans, but claimed the report also concluded its practices had not harmed its rival, Boeing, or cost US jobs.

Boeing said 'This is a powerful, landmark judgment and good news for aerospace workers across America who for decades have had to compete against a heavily subsidised Airbus'.

BBC News, 23.3.10: Boeing criticises German loan plan for rival Airbus http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8582247.stm

ESO: Background information: WTO poised to rule aid to Airbus illegal / Partial US victory on Airbus funds http://www.europeansources.info/record/wto-poised-to-rule-aid-to-airbus-illegal-partial-us-victory-on-airbus-funds/

WTO: Dispute Settlement: DS316: European Communities — Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds316_e.htm

WTO: Dispute Settlement: DS317: United States — Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds317_e.htm

Boeing: Press Release, 23.3.10: Boeing Comments on WTO's Landmark Decision on Airbus Subsidies http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1132

http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/all-press-releases.html http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/all-press-releases.html

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