Boeing win dispute over 777X

A long running dispute between Boeing and Airbus looks set to continue, following the World Trade Organization’s decision to reverse an appeal ruling that Boeing received state aid to help build its newest aircraft, the 777X.

In a statement made by Boeing following the decision, they claimed "The WTO has rejected yet another of the baseless claims the European Union has made.”  In response, Airbus have stated they will continue in their pursuit for justice. 

Last year, the WTO backed a European Union complaint that Boeing got tax breaks to site a production facility in Washington state. This was followed by the US government, whom acting on behalf of Boeing managed to appeal the decision and secure an outright victory.

Airbus have continually claimed Washington state has given Boeing tax breaks worth about $9bn (£7bn) which if correct would be sufficient to shut out competitor imports.  Boeing have stated for the record that the breaks received amounted to no more than $1bn.

Boeing's general counsel, J. Michael Luttig, said in a statement: "The latest of the false claims Airbus and its government sponsors have made has now been rejected by the WTO.

"The EU and Airbus, meanwhile, continue to be in flagrant breach of WTO rulings and must eliminate the massive illegal subsidies the WTO said a full year ago had not been addressed, or risk US sanctions against European exports."

Airbus, which estimates it has lost $100bn in sales because of Boeing subsidies, commented: "Boeing illegal subsidies are still illegal and need to be removed. The 'game' is far from over."