Last year, the chairman of Germany’s Lufthansa airline unleashed a barrage of criticism against GCC carriers. But, he later retracted his comments and instead called for cooperation with them after he found his allegations were baseless.

Most recently, Richard Anderson, CEO of US’ carrier Delta, issued a statement linking Gulf airlines to the September 11 attacks, allegations that were instantly disbelieved even by the Americans.

In fact, the fundamental issue does not lie in government support or being linked to certain events, but closely associated with the latest developments imposed by globalisation, the opening up of markets and the increased competition that comes from doing so.

These principles, which were first adopted and defended by the US, are one of the foundations of the free economy maxim expounded by Adam Smith, whose quotation ‘Let do and let pass’ became one of its founding principles. This was in reference to the free movement and smooth flow of capital between all countries in the world without barriers or borders.

Today, there are some who try to abandon these principles after they failed to increase the level of competitiveness at their own companies. They want to turn the clock back to the old days of protectionism, which in the past singularly failed to achieve progress and contributed to paralysing the capacity of many countries and made bereft innovation at economic institutions.

Gulf airlines, particularly Emirates and Etihad, have achieved several milestones over the years and managed to enter many new markets. They are also considered among the fastest growing and most popular carriers due to their competitive prices and world-class services. This happens at a time when other global airlines, including Delta, are in decline and suffering from flab caused by bad management and a poor ability to develop and innovate.

Major obstacle

Responding to Anderson’s comments, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, said US airlines should focus on improving service instead of trying to limit competition or accusing competitors.

No doubt, the only way to develop the global airline industry is by offering the best of services, while the protection regime, as called for by the Delta chief, represents a major obstacle that would hinder development. Tim Clark, President of Emirates, has hit back at US airlines in an increasingly bitter subsidy spat and urged Washington to block their calls to renegotiate open-skies agreements.

He said Anderson’s accusations are baseless and also harm the reputation of Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, which is an ally of Delta within the Sky Team consortium.

There is another important development, which the Delta CEO is yet to absorb. Some airlines have attained a global character, and that is certainly the case with the twin Emirati carriers Etihad and Emirates.

Furthermore, Emirates employees approximately 100 nationalities, including Europeans and Americans, who work in this globalised company that keeps abreast of latest developments in accordance with the principles of competitiveness and free market thinking.

Emirates airline spent Dh60 billion ($16.3 billion) on its human resources in the past 10 years. This was spent on 70,000 employees from various countries, including those from the US and who would certainly be astonished by such irresponsible statements as made by the Delta CEO.

Emirates and Etihad feature among the world’s top 100 places to work, along with the likes of Google and Apple, Microsoft, Nestle and France’s Total.

This means it would be vital for the CEO of Delta to listen to Shaikh Ahmad’s advice to upgrade services and raise competitiveness if it is to regain the trust of travellers rather than unleash accusations that will harm the global airline industry.

Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert and specialist in economic and social development in the UAE and the GCC countries.