Microsoft has lost the short-lived support of European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus.

Airbus had been a powerful supporter of Microsoft in its legal battles with the European Union.

The European company has undoubted political clout. Additionally, although it is at the leading edge in technology it is not in the Software industry.

Central to the legal wrangle is an appeal against an anti-trust ruling earlier this year.

The US software behemoth was required to sell a version of its Windows PC operating system without its Media Player.

Airbus based its argument on the idea that it did not matter if the "platform" was an operating system or a plane. It might be forced to "unbundle" technologies.

Apparently this support has now been withdrawn. Cynics might suggest that a political intervention might have taken place. Airbus, allegedly receives significant amounts of help from the EC. Hence attacking its Commissioners and regulators might not be wise.