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Qatar Airways’ Al Baker calls for continued open skies
Washington, D.C. - His Excellency, Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive for Qatar Airways, held a landmark press conference in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, adding the airline’s voice to the ongoing U.S. Open Skies debate. During his visit, Al Baker also met with government officials and prepared for upcoming US launches to Los Angeles, Boston, and Atlanta.
May 14, 2015 By Qatar Airways
Al Baker refuted the “baseless” claims of the “Big Three” US airlines (American, Delta & United), calling them “a transparent attempt to block new competition and limit consumer choice”.
“U.S. Open Skies Agreements are about offering choice – the ability to fly with the airline you prefer, to regions which are under-served by U.S. carriers,” said Al Baker. “The Big Three want to restrict choice. World travellers would suffer if they succeed.“
Speaking from the Hay-Adams Hotel, Al Baker used the forum to clarify Qatar Airways’ position, debunk accusations of subsidy and demonstrate the broad public benefits of the existing Open Skies Agreements.
Al Baker also noted that Open Skies Agreements go well beyond the interests of the Big Three. He cited numerous American companies and groups, which support Open Skies Agreements, including US airports, travel and trade groups, consumer groups and other U.S. airlines.
“Qatar Airways offers important services to the United States and many American interests recognize our value. We serve markets in the Gulf region and Indian subcontinent that U.S. carriers do not serve,” Al Baker added.
