EU OKs French aid to R&D Airbus-led consortium

BRUSSELS, Oct 8 (Reuters) - France won European Commission permission on Wednesday for 63.6 million euros ($86.67 million) in state aid for research and development led by aircraft maker Airbus France (EAD.PA) into composite materials.

"I am glad to approve aid for research and innovation that will enable significant and rapid technological progress in several key areas of European industry," EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement.

DEFI Composite, involving a consortium of 46 partners, aims to develop and test the design and production of complex structural components made from carbon fibre composite materials for use in the transport equipment sector, the statement said.

The 137 million euro programme will last four years.

"Following an in-depth examination, the Commission takes the view that the measure meets the conditions set out in the Community framework for state aid for research, development and innovation," the statement said.

(Reporting by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Paul Taylor)