17 Aug 2009

Airbus to get British taxpayer loan

10:16 am on 17 August 2009

European aircraft maker Airbus is to get a 340 million pound loan from the British taxpayer to help the company develop its new A-350 airliner.

But some have questioned why the company is getting government support, when others have been allowed to fail.

Woolworths went bust without government help, as did the van-maker LVV after pleas for government aide were turned down.

George Hamlin, an aviation expert and president of Hamlin Transportation, says such concerns are valid.

Mr Hamlin says another important question is whether Airbus will have to repay the loan in full.