Airbus urges compromises on Brexit, transatlantic tariffs

The head of Airbus called for an end to separate diplomatic squabbles over Britain’s exit from the European Union and a transatlantic aircraft subsidy dispute that collectively overshadow its business. CE Guillaume Faury said Airbus - whose manufacturing plants straddle Britain and the EU - was preparing itself for disruption if Britain completes its exit from the bloc without a deal, but downplayed warnings of severe upheaval. “It would really be a pity that after so many years of preparation there is no deal at the end. I think it would be much better for the EU and the UK to have an orderly Brexit,” Faury told a conference. This being said, if there is no deal we will have to live with it. There will be a more difficult transition on Dec. 31 and we are preparing ourselves for some logistical issues, but we don’t think this is going to be unmanageable.” His comments came after Britain’s manufacturing industry warned of a potential “knockout blow” if PM Boris Johnson is unable to secure a trade deal with the EU before temporary arrangements end on Dec. 31. Faury also called for compromise in a dispute over aircraft subsidies in which both the EU and United States have imposed tariffs on multiple goods. “We are calling for a de-escalation ... and finding a long-term agreement between the US and the EU, and we think this is what will happen,” Faury told the Conference of Montreal.<br/>