FIE LPHOTO: A model of Bombardier C Series aeroplane is seen in the Bombardier offices in Belfast, Northern Ireland September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

BRASILIA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization opened a dispute settlement panel on Friday to rule on Brazil's complaint that Canada has hurt its commercial jet industry by subsidizing Bombardier Inc's BBDb.TO CSeries jets, the Brazilian foreign ministry said.

The chief executive of Bombardier's Brazilian rival Embraer SA EMBR3.SA told Reuters on Wednesday that a U.S. decision to slap steep anti-subsidy duties on the CSeries should bolster Brazil's case at the WTO.