Washington state location could mean tax breaks for Airbus

Airline Industry Information, March 31, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A package of tax breaks designed by the USA for aircraft manufacturer Boeing could aid its rival Airbus to build an assembly plant in Washington state.

European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co, a majority owner of Airbus, is reportedly gathering bids from state and local governments for a possible manufacturing site and engineering centre in the US. Officially submitted bids have been made by the Economic Development Councils of three counties in Washington State, Grant, Snohomish and Spokane, The Associated Press reported.

The state Department of Community Trade and Economic Development's spokesperson Michelle Zahrly has said that if the company chooses one of the locations within the state it could qualify for some of the tax breaks granted to Boeing.

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