US does it too: EU appeals WTO Airbus ruling

The EU has challenged a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that it paid illegal subsidies to Airbus, countering with accusations that Boeing has received dubious funding from the US.

The WTO ruled that European governments had wrongly financed Airbus with risk-free loans, as well as research and infrastructure funding.

Boeing Chief Executive Jim Albaugh applauded the WTO ruling, claiming the illegal subsidies had lowered Airbus's capital costs making it difficult for Boeing to compete evenly, reported the BBC.

"We pay for [our] airplanes ourselves and we expect others to also do that," Mr Albaugh said.

In a dispute that has been running between the two aircraft manufacturers for decades, the EU has challenged the US's alleged support of Airbus rival Boeing.

The WTO's report into the subsidies received by Boeing from the US has been delayed, to the frustration of Airbus.