Qatar CEO: We Want More Landing Slots or Else
Joe Cortez May 27, 2015
Qatar Airways CEO lays out ultimatum to the Netherlands: offer more landing slots, or be denied government contracts.
Qatar Airways’ chief executive has drawn a line in the sand with the Netherlands, which could expand to other European nations. According to Britain’s The Telegraph, Qatar CEO Akbar Al-Baker called out the Dutch government in a press conference, threatening to withhold government contracts if more landing slots are not opened.
“If you don’t allow us to benefit in a small way by bringing us additional flights to the Netherlands, then you should not expect a lot of commercial contracts from our government,” Al-Baker said at the press conference held in the Netherlands, The Telegraph reports.
The threats come as officials in Amsterdam stopped new landing rights for the “Middle East Three” carriers. Arabian Business reports the Dutch transportation ministry froze additional landing rights for Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways in May. The hold comes amid allegations of the three receiving illegal subsidies from their governments, as well as violations of Open Skies policies. The European Union opened an investigation into the Arabian carriers in March.
The Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, the American consortium campaigning for Open Skies reform, praised the decision by the Netherlands. “Now, it is imperative that the U.S. government request consultations with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and ask for a freeze on additional flights to the U.S. until a fair resolution can be worked out,” Jill Zuckman, spokesperson for the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, said in a statement.
Although Al-Baker did not mention specific plans in his comments, concerns are mounting as to the extent of the comments. According to The Telegraph, Qatar Airways owns a 10 percent share of IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia. In addition, Qatar has plans to build around $200 billion of infrastructure over the next ten years, with previous contracts being awarded to European companies.
[Photo: iStock]
Maybe the Netherlands won't be allowed to participate in World Cup 2022 hosted by, yep QATAR!!!
Isnt this done all the time by governments?Nothing is FREE.Quid pro quo
Don't European airlines also receive subsidies? I recall Alitalia being bailed out a few times.
The Europeans do NOT have the guts but, They could always reply that if they exclude their companies they can end diplomatic relations and all flights. That might get an interesting response. Never happen. The European governments are to ready and willing to roll over
Add to this the report on abuse and deaths of Nepali and Bangaldeshi workers in Qatar, of Nepali workers not allowed to visit home for funerals after the recent earthquake.... All those deniers who find reasons to argue with those advocating boycott of Qatar airways are just trying to legitimize what they know to be wrong. I am not being hypocritical. When I travel from Europe or US to Asia, I avoid the middle east, especially Qatar airways despite their lower fares.