EU Calls for Air Services Deal With Middle East
07 December 2015 - 11:00PM
Dow Jones News
LONDON—The European Union is seeking comprehensive air services
agreements with the Middle East countries that host some of the
world's fastest-growing airlines whose expansions are opposed by
some U.S. and European carriers, it said Monday.
Air France-KLM SA and Deutsche Lufthansa AG argue that the
Middle East carriers have benefited from state aid that has
distorted competition. They have asked the EU to reset the
competitive landscape with the group, which includes Etihad
Airways. The argument over traffic rights has spread across the
Atlantic, where U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and
American Airlines are also trying to arrest inroads from the
Persian Gulf carriers.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said the
airlines and airports in Persian Gulf states "are reshaping the
global competitive pattern of aviation."Far-reaching agreements
with the Gulf Cooperation Council states would create "conditions
that will allow further market development and growth based on
common rules and transparency," the Commission said.
On Monday, the Commission presented a long-awaited aviation
policy in which it said it would seek aviation accords with Turkey,
China and other markets.
"European aviation is facing a number of challenges and today's
strategy sets out a comprehensive and ambitious action plan to keep
the sector ahead of the curve," EU Commissioner for Transport
Violeta Bulc said.
The Commission also pledged to improve the safety and efficiency
of its air transport sector, which it said employs two million
people in the EU.
The European Union will hold an aviation summit next month where
the Commission is expecting feedback from stakeholders on its
proposal as well as to help formulate more detailed implementation
plans.
Write to Robert Wall at robert.wall@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 07, 2015 06:45 ET (11:45 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2015 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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