The United States has won a landmark victory at the World Trade Organization in a dispute against European government subsidies for aircraft manufacturer Airbus , U.S. trade officials said on Wednesday.

These subsidies have greatly harmed the United States, including causing Boeing to lose sales and market share. Today's ruling helps level the competitive playing field with Airbus, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.

(Reporting by Doug Palmer; Editing by Paul Simao)