Boeing Takes 7E7 Show On The Road

South Koreans are getting their first look at Boeing's latest creation -- the 7E7 Dreamliner.

Boeing displayed pictures and information about the mid-sized economy jet at a hotel in Seoul over the weekend, hoping to garner support -- and perhaps a few contracts.

"The 7E7 Dreamliner, which is suitable for the middle of the market, will be the aircraft that best fits the strategy airlines aim towards in the future, point-to-point," said Craig Saddler, the Chicago-based plane maker's vice president for the 7E7. He was quoted by the Asian Pulse news service.

The 7E7 is at the focal point of controversy over government subsidies given to both Airbus and Boeing. As ANN reported, the Bush administration filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging Airbus has received $15 billion in illegal government subsidies since 1967. Airbus has countered, saying Boeing has received $23 million in local, state and federal subsidies (some in the form of tax breaks).

The EU also pointed a finger at Japan last week, accusing the government in Tokyo of helping subsidize development of the 7E7. But EU trade officials later said they wouldn't press the issue.

FMI: www.boeing.com