With Emirates appearing to pair back their US Network, blaming the electronics ban and travel ban restrictions, Delta has released a statement regarding the move.
And it makes for… well. Here it in the entirety:
The Partnership for Open & Fair Skies made the following statement today about Emirates’ plans to cut flights to the U.S.:
Emirates announced today that it will reduce flights to five of the 12 U.S. destinations they fly to beginning next month.
“The fact is, market demand has never played a role when the Gulf carriers decide where to fly. It is well known that the Gulf carriers, including Emirates, lose money on most of their flights to the United States and are propped up by billions of dollars in government cash,” said Jill Zuckman, chief spokesperson for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies. “Their business model is based on growing their networks without regard to profitability in order to serve their governments’ goals to dominate global aviation. A perfect example is Emirates’ most recent route between Athens, Greece and Newark, N.J., a money-losing flight that is only possible because of government subsidies. That Emirates would refer to itself as “profit oriented” is simply laughable.”
Well. That’s a hell of a response.
Whilst a commercial decision had to be made in regards to these routes – it seems Delta at the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies are picking quite deeply.
Certainly with the restrictions Emirates and other Middle East carriers (Etihad and Qatar Airways) are now faced with – customers appear to be reacting and changing their travel patterns as needed.
And it appears the polices are working against these airlines.
So the only question remaining is this: Will the US3 make up the capacity that is being removed by Emirates – either by direct operations or via a hub?
I’d lay real money on an answer on that – and it won’t be positive.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European reader.
There’s no capacity to be made up. An airline blames a ban on laptops because it can’t fill two flights a day from Seattle? Please! The same airline who uses the A380 like its a 737, plans new markets with no Idea of actual lift. Yes let’s blame the laptop.