Airbus partner Bombardier gets favorable ruling from trade commission

A company with a commitment to build aircraft in Mobile benefited from a decision today by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

The ITC ruled that Boeing was not injured by Bombardier’s importing of C Series jets from Canada. As a result of the decision, the U.S. Commerce Department will not collect a penalty from Bombardier.

“Today’s decision is a victory for innovation, competition, and the rule of law. It is also a victory for U.S. airlines and the U.S. traveling public,” according to a statement from Bombardier. “The C Series is the most innovative and efficient new aircraft in a generation. Its development and production represent thousands of jobs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We are extremely proud of our employees, investors and suppliers who have worked together to bring this remarkable aircraft to the market.”

While an agreement between Bombardier and Airbus to build C Series aircraft in Mobile was not affected by the decision, Bombardier reaffirmed its interest in the partnership.

“With this matter behind us, we are moving full speed ahead with finalizing our partnership with Airbus,” the statement reads. “Integration planning is going well and we look forward to delivering the C Series to the U.S. market so that U.S. airlines and the U.S. flying public can enjoy the many benefits of this remarkable aircraft.”

Kristi Tucker, a spokeswoman for Airbus in Mobile, wrote in a statement Friday that the company still planned to produce C Series aircraft through the partnership with Bombardier.
She added that “free trade won,” as a result of the ITC ruling.

“The ITC has done a thorough and good job of recognizing the interconnected nature of aerospace manufacturing today,” she wrote. “It goes to show that protectionist approaches in the self-interest of a single company are short-sighted. In the end, fair and open competition prevails.”

At the time of the original announcement of the partnership, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said the agreement would lead to a second assembly line.