US: Officials to start probes of Boeing dumping claims against Bombardier jet

US government officials on Thursday are set to begin investigating Boeing's unfair trade claims against Canadian rival Bombardier, a two-track action that could lead to US duties on Bombardier's new jetliner and also pits Boeing against Delta. The US Commerce Department is poised to announce the launch of its investigation. US International Trade Commission (USITC) staff will hear testimony from both companies and from Bombardier customer Delta in the case. Boeing alleges that Bombardier's new 100-150 seat CSeries jetliners are being dumped below cost in the US market and are unfairly subsidised by Canadian taxpayers. Delta agreed last year to buy dozens of CSeries planes at a price that Boeing says was well below Bombardier's cost and risks eroding future sales of its 737 and new 737 MAX narrowbodies. Bombardier has countered that the petition would have a serious impact on airlines, innovation and competition in the aerospace industry.<br/>