WTO affirms improper subsidies ruling

The World Trade Organization said Tuesday that Airbus received improper subsidies for the A380 jet and several other airplanes. The ruling affirmed interim findings last September on the U.S. complaint. According to multiple published reports, the WTO found most of the loans from European governments to develop the A380 were at below market rates and amounted to prohibited subsidies. The WTO also found that Europe had provided improper subsidies for the A300, A310, A320, A330 and A340. (Sources: Multiple, including New York Times, AP via Google, 03/23/10) Gulf Coast note: Airbus parent, EADS, may still compete in the contest to build tankers for the Air Force. It wants to assemble the planes, based on an A330, in Mobile, Ala.