The State Department intends to hold “informal, technical discussions” with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar next month regarding the ongoing dispute over Gulf airlines’ funding and access to the U.S. market. Interestingly The State Department on Monday said it takes seriously the competition claims raised by some U.S. airlines. But it also remains committed to its “open skies” aviation policy.
So the US State Department isn’t planning to move to formally renegotiate its open skies air treaties or freeze new flights to the US – as such these talks seem to be a token gesture to allow the Middle East majors to reiterate that they do not receive subsidies to Capitol Hill and to be seen as being proactive on the matter.
The talks are planned for July 18 and 19 and with Qatar on July 25.
Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, in a statement yesterday said it appreciates “how seriously the U.S. government has taken the issue of massive subsidization of the Gulf carriers. Discussions between our governments are an important step forward.”