Qatar Airways chief executivehas spoken out again at claims by US carriers that the Open Skies agreement is weighted in favour of the Gulf carriers.
Speaking at a press conference in Washington D.C yesterday, Al Baker refuted the “baseless” claims of the “Big Three” US airlines (American, Delta & United), calling them “a transparent attempt to block new competition and limit consumer choice”.
Al-Baker’s comments follow claims by US carriers that their competitors from the gulf region have received more than $40 billion in government subsidies since 2004 causing unfair competition and threatening the Open Skies agreements, something the Qatar chief refutes.
“US Open Skies Agreements are about offering choice – the ability to fly with the airline you prefer, to regions which are under-served by US carriers. The Big Three want to restrict choice. World travellers would suffer if they succeed.”
Al Baker also noted that Open Skies agreements go “beyond the interests” of the US carriers. He cited numerous American companies and groups, which support the agreements, including US airports, travel and trade groups, consumer groups and other US airlines.
“Qatar Airways offers important services to the United States and many American interests recognise our value. We serve markets in the Gulf region and Indian subcontinent that US carriers do not serve,” he added.
In March, Al Baker accused Delta of flying "crap airplanes that are 35 years old".
That same month, Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan warned against "the dark clouds of protectionism" ending the open skies agreements in place around the world.