Airbus seeks end to squabbling with Boeing after WTO ruling

(PARIS) - Europe's Airbus on Wednesday called its US rival Boeing to put an end to the firms' arguments over state subsidies, after they were reportedly deemed illegal by the World Trade Organisation.

"Now that both reports are available, it's time to stop blaming each other and to start assuming our responsibilities," said Airbus head of communication Rainer Ohler.

"It's only when we stop these contentious suits and start negotiations that we'll be able to define new equitable rules of the game which will govern the future of the world's aerospace industry, a matter which is much more important than a transatlantic dispute," he said.

Observers hope that the WTO judgement issued Wednesday but not yet made public will help end the long-running battle between the European Commission and the United States over Boeing and Airbus funding.

The WTO issued a ruling in June that criticised state subsidies given to Europe's Airbus, which the Commission has said only provides half the picture.

According to France, on Wednesday the WTO issued a similar judgement condemning Boeing's subsidies.