The request for aid, however couched, is the admission of reality.
Also, the time is opportune to play the 'Too Big To Fail' card based on the world virus situation and problems with 737 Max.
The balance of continuing with the 737 or not in the current economic situation, could be sufficiently close that the combined government - manufacturer judgement in considering both the short term work force, the long term future of commercial aviation, and US economic standing, is that it is time to 'pull the 737 plug'.
The virus provides an immediate excuse, now more understandable and acceptable publicly. The business case is changing to the longer term; share holders realise that there are few short term gains, and a better strategy is to plan for the future.
The question is how far ahead. Use government money for existing / future military / space programmes, or for the distant future with a new commercial aircraft, or both. If funding is available, then governments will dictate future projects, both military and commercial; drip feeding finance to support the immediate situation and laying foundations 15 years hence.
Aviation post virus is going to be very different. Airlines have managed so far without the Max; demand may not recover. Long haul are culling older aircraft and planning for revised demand; changing public perceptions of need to travel, and leaner and greener aviation.