Britain to pledge Airbus A350 support; WTO decision expected soon

Britain could pledge as much as $1 billion in financing support of Airbus’ A350 XWB jet as early as tomorrow, Forbes reports.

Analysts tell the publication that Airbus is seeking about 30 percent of the projected $15 billion of development costs from European governments. France and Germany likely will cough up $2 billion and $1.5 billion.

Observers back in the United States are keeping close watch over how Airbus comes up with development funds need for the A350.

The United States, on behalf of Boeing, and the European Union, on behalf of Airbus, have taken up the issue of governmental subsidies with the World Trade Organization.

The Economist put out two reports this week on the WTO debate: “Trading blows: Boeing and Airbus argue about subsidies” and “A dogfight no one can win.”