CAPA hosts major US-Gulf airline debate; Emirates, Etihad, American, Delta, FedEx, pilots, tourism

CAPA will host the largest and most complete public debate on the US-Gulf airlines confrontation, including the major proponents in a moderated discussion over two hours.

The debate, part of CAPA's Americas Aviation Summit in Las Vegas on 27/28 April, will span 2 hours, under the expert guidance of leading US aviation lawyer, Pillsburys' Kenneth P Quinn.

Emirates' President and CEO, Sir Tim Clark, will take part in the debate, along with American's Will Ris, Delta's Ben Hirst, FedEx's Rush O'Keefe, Etihad GC, Jim Callaghan, USTA CEO, Roger Dow, WTTC CEO, David Scowsill and former ALPA President Lee Moak, now President of Americans for Fair Skies.

American and Delta, along with United, have launched a major broadside at the Gulf airlines - Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways - alleging they are unfairly subsidised and seeking restrictions on open skies access. Not all US airlines support the attacks. FedEx, a major beneficiary of the US' open skies policies and the world's largest airline, opposes inroads into the policy. Emirates and Etihad likewise refute the allegations and US and world tourism bodies support the value of the Gulf airlines in improving consumer and business access.