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United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit, March 2, 2017 with Carol Hallett, counselor to the U.S. Chamber and former president and CEO of the Air Transport Association of America – now known as Airlines for America. |
More hot air from Oscar.
“Those airlines aren’t airlines. They’re international branding vehicles for their countries.”
Munoz made clear that United will aggressively push the US government to take action against the United Arab Emirates and Qatar over what he considers unacceptable government assistance to Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
‘Those Airlines Aren’t Airlines’
This sob-a-rama from the US “Big 3” about the Middle East airlines conveniently distracts from the escalating abuse going on in the main cabins of the US carriers.
Under Munoz’s leadership, making the United “better” meant “Basic” economy (no overhead bins for you), tight 30″ pitch seating in most narrow-body aircraft, and adopting high-density, ten abreast seating on the airline’s 777’s with 31″ pitch.
In recent years, the US airlines have also fought every consumer protection proposal of the Department of Transportation -in Federal Court and in Congress.
Partnership for “Open and Fair Skies”
Back in 2015, United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines produced a report accusing Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad of getting more than $40 billion of subsidies from their government owners.
But the fight against the Middle East airlines seems to have been renewed. Maybe the US carriers feel emboldened by a new administration. Why are the CEOs all repeating the same line? We can almost predict that next there’ll be allegations of terrorism links against the Middle East airlines.
Not Clear Cut What Trump Will Do
Trump could easily side with the Middle East airlines, because the US carriers are not the good guys -and taking into account his populist rhetoric. The US airlines are the ones with the inferior product and like to nickel and dime people to death. Which makes the Middle East carriers seem, in contrast, like models of pleasant, well-run companies.
Trump is also in a difficult position with his campaign promises vs. his business interests in the Middle East. How can he protect jobs with the US major airlines and not offend the Middle East countries?
