Opposing View: ATW’s Karen Walker Misses Bigger Picture in Open Skies Debate

Last week, Jeff Smisek, CEO of United Airlines, gave a speech to a sold-out crowd at the Wings Club in New York City, highlighting the massive subsidies that the governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are providing to their state-owned carriers in violation of Open Skies agreements. In response, Air Transport World’s editor Karen Walker attempted to rebut some of Jeff’s statements, but the logic behind her claims is haphazard and in many cases nonsensical.

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Etihad Airways tries to redefine “subsidy”

What is the difference between a) receiving interest-free government “loans” with no repayment obligation, and b) undergoing a bankruptcy restructuring process that involves no taxpayer money and includes oversight by an independent judiciary? Nothing, says Etihad Airways.

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Playing with house money

Some say that if you repeat a thing over and over, you start to believe it. I’m starting to think that is what’s happening with Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline.

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Majority of House wants Gulf consultations

Last week, Reps. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Robert Dold (R-IL), Steve Israel (D-NY), Tom Emmer (R- MN), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Paul Cook (R-CA) and 256 other members came together because they see the Gulf carriers’ unfair business practices as a direct threat to American jobs.

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