Launch aid is a prohibited, market-distorting subsidy that is unique to Airbus. (It) is above and beyond the other forms of government support Airbus already receives -- tax relief, government-sponsored R&D and government-paid infrastructure projects.
The timing of a civil aviation delivery recovery remains uncertain and will likely be no earlier than 2005.
Firm orders from the two launch customers are valued at approximately $5 billion at list prices.
As a result, several customers have requested deferral of deliveries out of 1999 and 2000, and the company is working with the airlines to reschedule deliveries.
We remain confident a deal will be completed in the near future.
Given the timing and changing requirements for new USAF tankers, the prospects for the current 767 production program to extend uninterrupted into a USAF tanker contract (are) becoming less likely.
