Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has said he hopes the governments are able to find a resolution to the ongoing open skies debate between Gulf and US carriers.
US government agencies are currently conducting a formal review of allegations by American airlines that three of the Gulf’s biggest airlines – Dubai’s Emirates Airline, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways – have received “unfair” government subsidies of as much as $42 billion.
The row has divided opinion in the industry, with the Gulf airlines denying claims that they have received subsidies.
Boeing CEO, speaking to media in Dubai, said while he didn’t want to take sides in the individual arguments, the US aircraft manufacturer was a firm believer in free trade and open skies.
“We’re very hopeful that the governments will continue to work together to create an open skies framework that’s advantageous for all of our customers,” said Muilenburg.
“We’re very supportive of open skies agreements in general. We see free trade and freedom of the skies as being key economic enablers that allow growth around the world. We see that as good for our airline customers here in the Middle East and the US.”
Muilenburg said open skies has been hugely beneficial for airlines’ growth.
“If you’re able to step back from some of the arguments and look at what open skies agreements have done to increase passenger flow, cargo flow, create new destinations, increase tourism. The broad economic benefit is very clear,” he said.
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