Airlines in the United States have for years been crying over alleged subsidies that Middle Eastern carriers receive. The U.S. carriers will tell anyone who will listen that the so-called ME3, which includes Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are all receiving government subsidies that allow the airlines to operate at a loss. They believe that due to the government subsidies the ME3 are able to withstand losses while still offering extravagant premium cabins and growing capacity without regard for costs.…
Qatar Airways is hitting back at allegations that they are subsidizing Air Italy by providing ‘free’ aircraft and engaging in anti-competitive practices. The Financial Times reported the allegations by incoming U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Committee chairman Peter DeFazio and his concerns that the Qatari airline was undertaking strategies to…
When word got out earlier this week that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and the Maldives were cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, many in the Middle East went into a panic. When countries cut diplomatic ties, it is easy to see how this would directly affect…
In 1971, the Arabian Peninsula began to take on a whole new look. In August, Bahrain gained their full independence, and Qatar quickly followed in September. In December, seven emirates nations were freed from British rule when a longstanding treaty finally expired. Two emirates – Dubai and Abu Dhabi –…
In an effort to compete with Emirates and Etihad within India, Doha-based Qatar Airways has been eyeing a large expansion by creating a new domestic airline within the Indian market. Last month, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker announced plans to launch a 100% foreign-owned airline in India through a…
On Sunday, March 12, Dubai-based Emirates launched its brand new route to Newark via Athens. The route, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, marks the airline's 12th destination in the United States and 155th globally. The route, bearing the flight number EK 209, was announced back in January and launched on Sunday,…
