The “Big Three” Gulf carriers take another swipe at the German flag carrier
The Arabian airlines are posing great threats to Europe’s civil aviation infrastructure, says Lufthansa, the German flag carrier. Being a persistent critic of Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, Lufthansa strongly believes that its business has been damaged by the Gulf carriers who are delivering air cargo to Africa and rest of the world at a price the other carriers can’t afford.
According to German carrier, these “Big Three” are heavily subsidised by their governments to carry out their operations and ultimately enabling them to offer door-to-door cargo, parcel delivery and other freight related services at fairly cheaper prices. All three companies are denying these charges
To make its point, Lufthansa has presented a briefing document in which it has set ou
t the importance of air services, both passenger and cargo to the German economy. It further added that in Germany, airlines employ nearly 325,000 people who pay social insurance benefits and taxes of €23 billion annually.
It also noted that other airlines in the Lufthansa Group – Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines, are all playing vital role in their respective economies. Although the air cargo, by volume is responsible for 2% of exports but by value it constitutes 30% of exports.
Airlines like Lufthansa Cargo – with their experience, their network, and commitment to location – are decisive partners for Germany’s globally active industrial enterprises. It is becoming ever more apparent that these structures are being massively undermined Europe-wide by the mega hubs along the Persian Gulf,” added the air freighter.
The more alarming thing is that all these three Gulf carriers are deploying their fast-increasing fleets overseas and expanding their business at a rapid pace. Lufthansa also said that they believe in a fair competition, more than it has up to now and for that it is absolutely necessary to pursue an aviation policy.
It further added that the European politicians can be of great help against non-European competitors if they don’t saddle them with regulations and additional levies.