"Government Support Vital"

Government, cash and Airbus.

No, we're not in France anymore. It's the UK, where the director general of the Confederation of British Industry, the main employers' organization, is urging the UK government to support, with new funds, Airbus' Broughton wing making plant for the development of new aircraft models.

Richard Lambert toured the site's West Factory Friday where the A380 wings are made, saying he backed further government launch aid for the development of the new A350 XWB, reported the North Wales Daily Post.

"It is essential that Airbus has every support in building the wings for the A350 here at Broughton," Lambert said.

"I strongly think that government support is not only vital but also economically sensible. Firstly, because Airbus is a crucial part of not just the regional but also the national economy - it is one of the country's industrial jewels."

"Secondly, because the government has had a good economic return on its investment in Airbus over the past few years and there is no reason it will not do so again."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Airbus headquarters in Toulouse Saturday, telling workers that France will play an active role in solving the crisis at the company's aerospace parent EADS, as reported by ANN. Sarkozy said France would one day sell its 15% stake in EADS.

FMI: www.cbi.org.uk, www.airbus.com