Jill Zuckman, chief spokesperson for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, issued the following statement today in response to Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker’s press conference:

“Akbar Al Baker said he was coming to the U.S. to ‘open the books,’ but all we heard today was more name calling and denials. It’s unfortunate that he won’t answer serious questions about the $17.5 billion in subsidies and unfair benefits that Qatar Airways has taken from its government in order to undermine fair competition, which is a serious violation of Open Skies. Altogether, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates have received more than $42 billion in subsidies from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in their quest to dominate international aviation to the detriment of the U.S. aviation system, American jobs and consumers. The harm from their actions is real, which is why we are asking the Obama Administration to request formal consultations and a freeze on additional routes.”