Published on Monday, May 4, 2015

Qatar Airways adding three new US routes

Gulf carrier Qatar Airways has announced it is launching several new flights to the US, a move that will likely cause more friction with US carriers and airline unions.

Qatar said it will start direct flights to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta from its Doha hub and add a second daily flight to New York.

The LA service will begin January 1, 2016, followed by Boston on March 16 and Atlanta on July 1.

US airlines and unions allege Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways have profited unfairly from government subsidies to the tune of more than $40 billion.

The airlines have lobbied the Obama administration to take action by limiting or scrapping the Open Skies agreement.

The three Gulf carriers claim US airlines are losing market share simply because of their inferior service levels.

The Obama administration said it would begin reviewing comments posted by each side at the end of May.

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