Boeing CEO says talks with union at "standstill"

BOSTON (Reuters) - Talks between Boeing Co (BA.N) and its striking union are "at a standstill," the U.S. aircraft maker's chief executive said on Wednesday. "We're at a standstill now. We're unable to find the common ground we need to find to have the discussion we need to have to solve the problem," said Jim McNerney, who heads the plane maker. The company is also confident that International Lease Finance Corp, one of its largest customers, will remain a "strong customer" regardless of whether or not it is sold by current parent American International Group Inc (AIG.N). "ILFC was a great company when it was independent. It grew and stayed a great business when it was part of AIG and I have confidence, whatever form it ends up in, it will remain a strong customer," McNerney told reporters after addressing the Boston College Chief Executives Club. The credit crunch has prompted more Boeing customers to ask it for help in financing purchases, though few have actually taken loans from the company, he added. "We tend to be a lender of last resort," he said. "We've seen somewhat greater requests, but actually taking us up on it, not a big upturn yet." (Reporting by Scott Malone, editing by Leslie Gevirtz) ʘ