The U.S. aviation industry is facing a significant threat from three state-owned Gulf carriers: Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. They have received over $50 billion in subsidies from their governments just within the last decade, that has skewed the free market, placing American jobs and the aviation industry in jeopardy.

The Washington Examiner has the details:

The U.S. aviation industry is facing a significant threat from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that could mean the end of our industry as we know it. And that means the livelihoods of 1.2 million Americans who count on a strong aviation industry are at-risk.

 

The three state-owned Gulf carriers – Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways – have received over $50 billion in subsidies from their governments in the last decade, skewing the free market and putting American jobs at risk. These subsidies are breaking the rules established by our international trade agreements with the UAE and Qatar, which were intended ensure fair competition and eliminate government interference.

 

While the U.S. continues to stand on the sidelines, countries around the world have taken action against the harmful effects that heavily subsidized Gulf carrier expansion has in their markets. The European Union recently announced an expanded set of rules to guarantee that foreign airlines are abiding by fair competitive practices on their routes to Europe. Japan, China, and Germany are among the countries that limit the number of cities that Gulf carriers can fly to within their borders. Canada has implemented some of the strongest policies to ensure fair competition, which has already shown positive results for its domestic airline. Because they now compete with the Gulf carriers on a more level playing field, Air Canada has been able to increase its flights to India and the Gulf countries.

The United States government has the responsibility to ensure agreements are enforced and that trade cheaters follow the rules. The result of Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways illegal actions has been the cancellation of U.S. routes causing irreversible damage. Click here to sign a petition that makes sure President Trump can make America great again by enforcing trade agreements and making sure they are the best deals possible for the American people!