Citing a lack of flight profitability, Emirates recently announced that it will reduce the number of flights to five of its 12 destinations in the United States, beginning in May.
The Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, a coalition made up of several American airlines that call for the United States to enforce its Open Skies agreements with the UAE and Qatar, released a statement this week criticizing Emirates’ decision.
“The fact is, market demand has never played a role when the Gulf carriers decide where to fly. It is well known that the Gulf carriers, including Emirates, lose money on most of their flights to the United States and are propped up by billions of dollars in government cash,” Jill Zuckman, chief spokesperson for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, said.
“Their business model is based on growing their networks without regard to profitability in order to serve their governments’ goals to dominate global aviation. A perfect example is Emirates’ most recent route between Athens, Greece, and Newark, New Jersey, a money-losing flight that is only possible because of government subsidies. That Emirates would refer to itself as ‘profit oriented’ is simply laughable,” Zuckman said.
Open Skies is an international policy concept that urges the easement of international aviation industry rules and regulations, creating a free-market environment for the airline industry.