Dubai: Emirates airline has dedicated the entire edition of its latest online publication to reject allegations of state subsides made by airlines from the United States as well as Europe.
In the 16-page edition of Open Sky, Emirates addresses three specific allegations outlined by the US’ three largest carriers, Delta, United and American Airlines, who have also lobbied claims against other Gulf carriers — Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
Firstly, Emirates rejects claims that it benefited from $2.7 billion (Dh9.9 billion) in government subsides due to fuel hedging losses and that the government of Dubai provided Emirates with $1.6 billion in letters of credit. Emirates airline President Tim Clark also rejected this accusations at a press conference in Washington DC, US in March.
Secondly, Emirates dismisses accusations that it benefited from $2.3 billion of subsidised airport infrastructure since 2004. Emirates argues that “The Government of Dubai has made these investments, like other progressive emerging market economies” such as China and Singapore. Emirates also said it pays the full published rates at Dubai International, its home airport.
Lastly, Emirates rejected statements that the Gulf carriers are taking passengers and revenue from US carriers and forcing them to cut international routes.
“The three US carriers’ obsession with market share makes all the more apparent what they are really after: not competition, not open markets or Open Skies, but outright government-directed market allocation,” Emirates stated.
