THE World Trade Organisation (WTO) was yesterday expected to back some European claims US plane makers Boeing benefited unfairly from research deals or fiscal aid.

The Organisation is to give its decision over claims illegal subsidies were made by the US government to Boeing.

The case was brought by the European Union, which says Washington's support is anti-competitive.

Maggie Bergsma, an Airbus spokeswoman, predicted the ruling would confirm Boeing has received “billions of illegal subsidies” over the years.

Earlier this year, the WTO ruled the EU paid illegal subsidies to Airbus parent firm EADS.

Brussels has appealed against that decision – saying that it would challenge the finding that support for the A380 Airbus plane – with wings made at the company’s Broughton factory – was an export subsidy and therefore illegal.

It added that it would also contest the ruling that there had been a link between support to Airbus and adverse effects to Boeing. The acrimonious relationship between the two has dragged on for almost six years.