American, Etihad and Emirates Bosses Battle for Best Open Skies Soundbite
Skift Take
The U.S. carriers aren't sure how to battle the Gulf airlines, so they're turning to government for cover. They should be thinking more about the consumer.
Washington, D.C. was abuzz today with airline executives arguing over how open the skies really are between the U.S. and the UAE and Qatar.
Speaking at three separate events, the CEOs of Etihad Airways and American Airlines and the President of Emirates spoke about competition between the three major U.S. carriers -- which also include United Airlines and Delta Air Lines -- and their Gulf state rivals, including Qatar Airways.
Each airline leader spoke to the main point separating the two groups, namely whether or not the Gulf states receive unfair state aid that allows them to compete on a different level than their U.S. counterparts. American's Doug Parker and Etihad's Hogan were attending the 14th Annual Aviation Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce, while Emirates' Tim Clark held a press conference at the National Press Club and online.
Below are the main points from the day's conversations.
Emirates
Clark focused on gently rebutting claims of state aid that Ameri
