Airline alliance wants finance rules scrapped

LONDON

A group of 10 international airlines are calling for the scrapping of rules that bar financial support for aircraft purchases to airlines in the United States and European countries that manufacture aircraft.

The alliance, including Emirates, Ryanair, and Korean Air, said Thursday they want the "home country" rule that prohibits access to so-called export credits to be eliminated.

The issue is currently debated by the OECD amid pressure to revise a 1986 "gentlemen's agreement" between the U.S. and Europe to prevent a trade war between Boeing and Airbus. The two manufacturers agreed not to seek government financing to sell planes in each other's home markets.

The alliance says extending export credits to all carriers will ensure a level playing field.