The European Commission (Commission) has approved a loan of £113.7 million to Short Brothers UK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bombardier Aerospace, for the research and development of Bombardier’s newest aircraft. The 100-130 seat planes will be developed specifically to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% and nitrogen oxide by 50% and to reduce noise pollution by up to four times. The Commission sees the project as being suitable for State aid for research and development innovation. Not only will the project enable knowledge-sharing between EU aircraft manufacturers, it will also support Northern Ireland (an assisted region) where the development is to take place.