Boeing – Airbus trade row continues
The transatlantic dispute between America and Europe on the level of state support given to their respective aviation industries shows no signs of reaching a swift conclusion.
Although the EU says it remains hopeful of resolving the dispute, both sides have now missed the self-imposed April 11 deadline to reach a deal on cutting subsidies.
The EU and US have both accused each other of providing Airbus and Boeing with state aid and if there is no agreement, the dispute could have to be settled at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
If the WTO is forced to intervene then it could take some years to reach a resolution, which could have implications for the Airbus A350.
Airbus unveiled its new super jumbo to the world earlier this year, but could see launch aid from the EU delayed while negotiations continue.
EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, has been closely involved in trying to find a resolution.
He said that he remains ready to negotiate, but when talking to the BBC this morning said that the US had a “one-sided view” over subsidies.
Speaking on BBC Radio Four’s ‘Today’ programme, he said: “The Americans have a very one-sided view over subsidies.
“They attack subsidy, as they call it, for Airbus, but give Boeing a free pass.
“The fact is that both companies receive financial support from government sources – in fact, Boeing more so and from more sources.”
Mr Mandelson said that he believed subsidies should be reduced for both companies, but that it should be done “equally on both sides.”
