The Spanish government is threatening to withhold part of its development funding for the Airbus A380 amid complaints that the country's industry has not secured sufficient workshare.
Spanish science and technology minister Juan Costa Climent says: "We have decided not to pay until there is a clear agreement over the participation of the Spanish company in the project where our objective is to have a share of around 10%," adding: "Currently we have less than 8%."
Industry sources say the issue has arisen amid political campaigning ahead of Spain's general election in March.
Spain holds a 5.6% stake in EADS, which owns 80% of Airbus. Airbus Spain is responsible for the A380's belly fairing, rudder, horizontal stabiliser and part of the rear fuselage.
Source: Flight International
