WTO ruling on Boeing aid delayed to Sept.

The World Trade Organization has delayed its ruling on whether the Boeing Co. received illegal subsidies until September.

The ruling had been expected July 16. The WTO finalized its ruling that Airbus received illegal “launch aid” late last month. Boeing hailed the WTO’s ruling as a “landmark victory.”

Airbus officials expressed disappointment over the “last minute” announcement of the delay:

Another delay is a disappointment. But we are looking forward to the Boeing subsidies panel report. It will eventually come, and it will show: Boeing has received billions of dollars in WTO illegal subsidies.

The importance of this report is greater, however, than a simple vindication of the obvious fact that Boeing aircraft such as the B787 would not exist without government subsidies.

Boeing backers want the Air Force to consider the WTO ruling in its $35 billion tanker competition. Airbus’ parent company, EADS, submitted its bid for the contract today. The Air Force has declined to consider the WTO ruling.

Boeing is expected to submit its bid tomorrow, when the bids are due.

Airbus officials voiced concern over the timing of the delay, given that Boeing is expected to fly its 787 to the Farnborough Air Show later this month.