Online whistleblower Wikileaks has revealed that US diplomats and politicians have stepped in to make sure potential aircraft buyers plumped for Boeing and not its rival Airbus.
Diplomatic cables just published by the now infamous website reveal that foreign governments and monarchs were courted and cajoled by top-ranking politicians and their staff as they tried to make up their minds between buying US or European.
The New York Times revealed the news this week through cables it has obtained from Wikileaks that Saudi King Abdullah was requested by George W Bush to buy up to 46 Boeing planes for Saudi Arabian Airlines and 13 more for his own royal fleet.
The King reponded by asking that all the technology present in the presidential Air Force One plane be replicated in his fleet.
A deal with Boeing for 12 new 777-300ER jets followed.
The NY Times details further deals such as Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina asking for landing rights at JKF airport in return for buying Boeing (rights have not yet been granted but jets were purchased).
Yet further revelations indicate that staff surrounding President Sarkozy and President Bush got involved in a battle to win an order from Bahrain three years ago. The Bush team won, thanks to a promised visit by the president to the country in 2008.
Like much Wikileaks information, the news of the linking of politics with business comes as no surprise.
But it should be mentioned that there is in place a long standing agreement that world leaders and their retinue should keep politics out of the aviation business.
However when the New York Times spoke to state department officials, it was openly acknowledged that the practice was widespread.
A spokesman said: "That is the reality of the 21st century; governments are playing a greater role in supporting their companies, and we need to do the same thing."
by Dinah Hatch
