US businesses defend Gulf airlines in subsidy row

Washington - A group of 28 businesses said the three US airlines were jeopardising millions of American jobs

A coalition of transportation and tourism businesses on Monday called on the US government to preserve aviation agreements with Gulf nations despite accusations of unfair trade by major US airlines.

Businesses, including courier service FedEx, budget air carrier JetBlue and hotel giant Wyndham, oppose calls from Delta, American Airlines and United to renegotiate Open Skies agreements with the UAE and other Gulf countries.

In a letter to members of Congress, a group of 28 businesses said on Monday the three US airlines were jeopardising millions of American jobs by seeking to restrict access to the US market for Gulf carriers.

The letter also was addressed to the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, among other officials.

"We urge the administration to protect Open Skies by insisting that these claims be assessed on the merits and in the proper forum," the letter said.
The carrier American had ended code sharing agreements with Etihad in July. - AFP

• Dubai