5.19.15b – (LAA/LUS) Legislative Update – Open Skies

---

APFA LAA Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
APFA LUS Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
Non-Members	Subscribe to the APFA Hotline
Press	Subscribe to APFA’s Press Release

---

 

May 19, 2015

---

 

LAA / LUS
Restoring Fair Competition to the Skies – [email protected]
Last week, APFA Representatives attended a luncheon at the National Press Club where CEOs from American, United, and Delta participated in a round table discussion, “Restoring Fair Competition to the Skies.” They argued that subsidies from the governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to their domestic airlines are giving them an unfair advantage and threatening U.S. jobs.  

As a charter member of the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, APFA is working to preserve fair competition in the international market by pushing the government to enter consultations with Qatar and the UAE to address the unfair subsidies those governments have given their state airlines. These multi-billion dollar subsidies are a violation of existing Open Skies agreements with Qatar and the UAE and they put Flight Attendant jobs – and thousands of other airline jobs – in jeopardy.  

This week Rep. Rick Larson (D-WA) weighed in stating, in part, “I am concerned that the reports that the three [Gulf] carriers’ labor policies are inconsistent with the values we have vigorously protected over the history of our air transportation system…my understanding is that collective bargaining is forbidden and there are reports of women and those belonging to sexual minorities facing legalized discrimination.” APFA thanks Rep. Larson for his ongoing support.