Boeing has now requested $60 billion in federal assistance, which has raised the question whether the government will force the company into bankruptcy.According to Merrill Lynch’s Ronald Epstein, this scenario is unlikely on account of two reasons: “ (1) Boeing and its supply chain represent a critical industry for US economic growth and trade deficit reduction; and 2) Commercial Aerospace is a duopoly that needs to be supported long-term,” the analyst said.Instead, quoting fellow BofA credit analyst Doug Karson, Epstein counts six possible outcomes: three of these are unlikely, and include a GM like bailout, a direct $60 billion loan and one which involves no action from the US government.

According to Merrill Lynch’s Ronald Epstein, this scenario is unlikely on account of two reasons: “ (1) Boeing and its supply chain represent a critical industry for US economic growth and trade deficit reduction; and 2) Commercial Aerospace is a duopoly that needs to be supported long-term,” the analyst said.