2000
Clinton Administration, in consultations with Boeing and Congress,
escalates discussions with the EU regarding concerns over subsidies for the
Airbus A380, but ultimately declines to file a WTO case.
2001-2003
United States, in consultations with Boeing and Congress, views the
utility of the 1992 Agreement with increasing concern, as Airbus reaches parity
with Boeing in the marketplace.
2004
Matters changed significantly this year as talk surfaced of new subsidies
for a new Airbus plane to compete with the planned Boeing
7E7.
April 26,
2004
Boeing announces launch of 7E7 with a 50-plane order from All Nippon
Airways.
May 2004
U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick meets with European
Commissioner for Trade Pascal Lamy; proposes new agreement eliminating new
subsidies for large civil aircraft.
July 2004
Airbus begins to talk publicly about possibility of launching the “A350"
to counter the 7E7. Airbus refuses
to rule out the use of subsidies for the A350.
July 22,
2004
Senior U.S. and EC representatives meet to discuss need for new
agreement eliminating new subsidies for large civil aircraft. EC is
noncommittal.
August 13,
2004
President Bush instructs USTR Zoellick to pursue all options to end the
subsidization of Airbus, including the filing of a WTO case, if need
be.
September 16,
2004 Senior
U.S. and EC representatives meet again to discuss need for
new agreement eliminating new subsidies for large civil aircraft. As in July, the EC refuses to commit to
the negotiation of a new agreement.
September 28,
2004 In an interview, Airbus CEO Noël
Forgeard gives clearest sign yet that Airbus intends to launch the A350, and
that Airbus will seek government aid to help finance the project pursuant to the
1992 Agreement.
September 30, 2004
USTR Zoellick and Commissioner Lamy hold discussions on bilateral and
multilateral issues, discuss Airbus and Boeing issue.
|
