View from Europe

   
12:00 14 Sep 2004 
Source:
This story is sourced from Flight International
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Nothing has changed Boeing still receives indirect government support through DARPA and Department of Defense reimbursement of independent R&D - mechanisms for which there is no equivalent in Europe - as well as NASA.

America cheats The EU estimates Boeing has received $18 billion in indirect support since 1992, while admitting "hardly any" benefit. For 2002, the EU puts the benefit at 8.6% of Boeing's turnover - well over the 4% limit in the bilateral agreement.

It makes no difference EADS says any advantage from lower interest rates on the €4.3 billion of government loans on its books works out at only around $100,000 benefit per aircraft delivered.

What it wants Tighter controls on indirect support, elimination of export tax breaks for Boeing and better access for Airbus to the US defence market.