US reportedly close to agreeing subsidies deal with Emirates, Etihad
The US and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly close to a deal to resolve the long-running open skies spat over government subsidies.
The Associated Press reports government officials are nearing an agreement which would see Dubai’s Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways open up their accounts for review.
The airlines also said they have no current plans to operate ‘fifth freedom’ flights originating from destinations outside the UAE.
The AP cites four people familiar with negotiations, although the State Department would only say ‘discussions are ongoing’ and there was ‘nothing to report at this time.’
If confirmed, the deal would be very similar to the one agreed with Qatar Airways earlier this year.
The big three US airlines have long complained the three Gulf airlines receive unfair government subsidies allowing them to flood the market with cheap seats and force US carriers out.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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