European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Wednesday the European Union (EU) and the United States will be able to settle an ongoing dispute over aircraft subsidies.

"I believe it is possible to reach an amicable agreement ...in the Boeing-Airbus affair," Barroso told reporters at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) where he was addressing a symposium on global trade.

The EU and the United States failed to meet a deadline last week to reach agreement on subsidies to Boeing and Airbus, but both expressed the will to continue talks.

"I hope that as soon as possible the new trade representative of the United States can meet with his European Commission counterpart Peter Mandelson, who is very, very much looking forward to a friendly, constructive relationship with his counterpart from the United States," said Barroso.

The United States, opposing the EU's plans to aid the Airbus A350, has filed a lawsuit against the EU at the WTO and after the failed talks last week, Washington warned it would press the case at the WTO if the EU approves more aid to Airbus.

Airbus, owned by Britain, France, Germany and Spain, became the world's biggest commercial aircraft manufacturer in 2003, replacing Boeing of the United States.

Source: Xinhua