The group has disputed the evidence and conclusions that unfair subsidies are being provided by the Gulf States to Gulf carriers contained in the White Paper which has been prepared by American Airlines, Delta and United.
Al Baker used the briefing to clarify Qatar Airways' position, debunk accusations of subsidy and demonstrate the broad public benefits of the existing Open Skies Agreements. He also noted that Open Skies agreements go well beyond the interests of the Big Three citing numerous American companies and groups, which support Open Skies, including US airports, travel and trade groups, consumer groups and other US airlines.
The Emirates boss spoke forcefully about the open skies row, in which the American carriers have claimed that Emirates, Etihad and Qatar have all received $44 billion in subsidies from their governments, and are planning to seek US government action against them.
The carrier describes the fleet additions as an important boost for the country’s civilian aviation industry, which has struggled for many years because of ageing fleets and American-imposed restrictions on access to replacement aircraft, parts, technology and service.
Preparations are in full swing as Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the managing body and operator of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), is gearing up to host the first edition of Routes Middle East and Africa 2015 (Routes MEA 2015) in Bahrain this month.
Visa facilitation, open skies and the need to adapt the market requirements in the promotion of intra-regional tourism in the MENA region were all discussed at the 2015 UNWTO and ATM Ministerial Forum on Intra-Arab tourism.
Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the A350XWB, and currently remains the only airline to fly the world’s newest widebody aircraft. Following its introduction to service to Frankfurt in Germany, Singapore is only the second route for the type which is configured in a two-class arrangement seating 26 passengers in Business Class and 247 in Economy.
Etihad Airways first commenced flights to Singapore’s Changi International Airport on September 28, 2007 on a three times weekly basis, growing to a daily schedule from February 1, 2013. The route is currently served using an Airbus A330-200 but from June 1, 2015 the airline is using a three-class A330-300, supporting the debut of the First Class offering on the route.
UK management and technology consultancy Helios has confirmed that the task force for the GCC FIR study will convene for the first time this week with its Director Middle East, Alan Corner saying the focus would be “very much on practical solutions.”
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Eurocontrol have signed an agreement at ATC Global, currently running in Dubai, to enhance co-operation between the two for flight data exchange.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing a slowdown in growth for air cargo demand in June., however, the Middle East region see a growth.
Air Arabia has released its financial results for the first half of 2015 ending June 30 2015, as the company continues to achieve strong financial results and invest in its long-term growth.
The Emirates Group has appointed a UAE National to a strategic HR position in North America. Wasan Al Husseiny became manager human resources for the US and Canada markets earlier this month, overseeing the group's HR operations in the region.
Emirates has announced a new codeshare agreement with Thailand-based Bangkok Airways, a regional boutique airline, which is set to open up new destinations for Bangkok Airways and Emirates passengers from Europe, Australasia and South-East Asia regions.
Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc have announced the launch of a strategic joint business agreement on services between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Emirates has today been announced as the naming rights sponsor of one of Britain's tallest landmarks outside London, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, UK.
Emirates' innovation, investments in product, and customer service were recognised last night with an array of accolades at the Business Traveller Middle East 2015 Awards.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets, showing a modest 1.6% rise in volumes in March compared to a year ago, measured in Freight Tonne Kilometers (FTK).
Turkish Airlines will host the famous Turkish actress Songül Öden on its stand at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015, as she unveils two major on-board and on-ground offerings and gives away a return flight to San Francisco to a lucky raffle draw winner.
