Does Emirates get an unfair advantage in state subsidies? That’s the issue that has been raging again this week. As three major U.S. airlines met President Trump to discuss the issue, Emirates claimed that it was the good guy who had supported over 1 million jobs in the United States.
That however, didn’t stop Delta Air Lines from apparently taking the dispute to petty levels by withholding a spare part from Emirates that it had ordered from Delta’s engineering division.
Meanwhile, Air France has released more details about its new low-cost, long-haul airline to tackle increased competition in Europe – Just as the EU reviews competition rules to better protect Europe’s home-grown airlines.
Emirates Says it Supports 1 Million U.S. Jobs
09th February 2017 – Courtesy CNN Money
Emirates has shot back at Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines who accuse the Persian Gulf carrier of destroying U.S. jobs. But Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, speaking with CNN Money said: “We really want to create more jobs in the U.S. and support the economy in the U.S.”
He claims that the company has supported over 1 million U.S. jobs and invested $140 billion USD into the American economy.
Delta Air Lines Withholds Spare Part for Emirates Jet Causing 6-Hour Delay
09th February 2017 – Courtesy The Seattle Times
As the spat between Delta Airlines and Emirates heats up it’s been alleged that Delta deliberately withheld a spare part that was ordered by the Dubai-based rival. The Emirates Boeing 777 jet encountered technical difficulties at Seattle Airport on the 2nd February requiring a minor hydraulic component to be replaced.
Emirates said that it ordered a replacement part from the local Delta Air Lines engineering office but a manager later withheld the order – Leading to a 6-hour delay for the aircraft’s return flight.
A spokesperson for Emirates said of the incident: “It is sad, in our view, that any airline would deny such standard technical assistance to another carrier based on orders from headquarters that had nothing to do with maintenance or cost, but seem clearly to have been intended to inflict harm on the airline and its customers,”
EU Eyeing New Rules to Combat Unfair Gulf Competition
09th February 2017 – Courtesy Reuters
The big three Middle East airlines – Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways – might come under closer scrutiny in Europe if new proposals are introduced by EU lawmakers. The plan is to impose duties on non-EU airlines in an attempt to create fair competition across the bloc.
The law would allow any European airline to submit a complaint of unfair competition that would trigger an investigation and possible sanctions by the European Commission.
Air France Set to Recruit 1,000 New Flight Attendants
09th February 2017 – Courtesy Reuters
As part of its plans to introduce a new low-cost airline called Boost, the Air France Group has announced plans to hire 1,000 new flight attendants. The news was announced by the CEO of Air France, Franck Terner who declined to offer further details or timescales for the recruitment drive.
