Dubai: Lobbying efforts by the three largest US carriers to restrict the growth of Emirates, the world’s largest airline by international seating capacity, will not work, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said on Thursday.
US airlines — Delta, American and United — are calling on the US government to rethink open skies with the UAE and Qatar over claims that Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways are benefiting from state subsidies.
“That will not stop us,” Shaikh Ahmad said a press conference in Dubai announcing Emirates Group’s latest financial results. “I always say the noise coming from the airlines will never stop the Gulf carriers, especially Emirates,” he said.
Emirates has long denied accusations that it receives state subsidies.
“We have been very transparent … every detail, every penny,” Shaikh Ahmad said, announcing the airline’s profit of Dh4.6 billion ($1.2 billion) for the 12 months ended March 31, 2015.
Emirates Group, the holding company, reported its second highest profitable year, reaping Dh5.5 billion in profit.
