Qatar Airways responds to US open skies debate

Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said (13-May-2015) claims by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines relating to open skies agreements are "a transparent attempt to block new competition and limit consumer choice." Mr Al Baker said Qatar Airways operates to markets in the Gulf region and Indian subcontinent that US carriers do not serve, stating the three US airlines "do not compete with us on a single nonstop route." Qatar Airways stated it transported 248,000 visitors to the US and contributed USD900 million to US economies and employment in 2014. [more - original PR]