A study from Standard & Poor’s has determined that Boeing could end up shouldering between $7bn and $9bn in customer finance needs if regulators decide not to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) by September 30th. Boeing would have to double its financial backing to airline and leasing-company clients over the long term, posing a risk to the company’s credit rating.
Boeing currently relies on Ex-Im Bank to provide loan guarantees for aircraft sales. This is part of a deal that was recently scrutinized by a coalition of opponents who want the support to end in September, because of the deal’s alleged anti-competitive nature.