French government claims victory after WTO delivers preliminary ruling on Boeing aid

France claims WTO ruling in Boeing case as victory

GENEVA — The French government says a preliminary ruling by the world’s top trade court on aid to U.S. aircraft maker Boeing is a victory for European jobs.

France’s transport and environment ministers say the confidential World Trade Organization ruling delivered to U.S. and EU officials Wednesday condemns “massive subsidies” to Boeing.

Details of the ruling weren’t immediately available and a final judgment isn’t expected to be released for several months.

Boeing declined immediately to comment.

In June, the WTO found that Boeing rival Airbus gained an unfair advantage through billions worth of low-interest government loans, infrastructure provisions, and research and development grants.

Both Washington and Brussels have appealed that decision.