ALPA is gratified and encouraged that the Trump administration has taken initial steps to end unfair trade practices and protect American jobs. The administration has rightly acknowledged that foreign government subsidies and a lack of transparency can affect a fair and equal opportunity for U.S. airlines to compete in the context of U.S. Open Skies agreements.
Over the coming months, ALPA will watch closely to determine whether Qatar takes steps to end its current subsidy-focused practices and embrace a transparent business model that reflects internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards. If implemented, these actions will enable the United States government to hold the Qatari government accountable to meet the requirements of its Open Skies agreement and ensure that U.S. airlines and their workers are protected from unfair foreign competition. As former President Ronald Reagan used to say, “Trust, but verify.”
Now, the administration must stand firm on enforcing the U.S. Open Skies agreement with the United Arab Emirates and end its government subsidies that allow its airlines, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways, to compete unfairly against U.S. airlines and threaten U.S. jobs.