FrugalFlyerv2.0
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- Oct 29, 2003
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The story appeared in the Toronto Star. Emirates (& Etihad) want more frequency to Canada. Depsite local widespread support, Transport Canada has denied the request. "... ... ... senior Transport Canada officials voiced other reasons for not moving on Emirates' request, including:
"Emirates and Etihad are instruments of government policy. ... The governments are helping finance massive wide-body aircraft orders and massive expansion of airport infrastructure."
They say the market between Canada and UAE is small, suggesting it's not worth the attention.
It cites an independent study that says the public-financed expansion of aviation in the Persian Gulf will lead to "unhealthy competition and irrational commercial behaviour."
It suggests Canadian carriers need to be protected. "In international aviation, as in other strategic areas, countries are very much driven by self-interest. Canada forgets this rule at its peril," the briefing paper says. "Our sky is open, at least as open as can be given ... our national interest."
Anybody care to comment? Is this protectionism of AC or is Emirates too heavily subsidized and thus it would not be a balanced playing field?
"Emirates and Etihad are instruments of government policy. ... The governments are helping finance massive wide-body aircraft orders and massive expansion of airport infrastructure."
They say the market between Canada and UAE is small, suggesting it's not worth the attention.
It cites an independent study that says the public-financed expansion of aviation in the Persian Gulf will lead to "unhealthy competition and irrational commercial behaviour."
It suggests Canadian carriers need to be protected. "In international aviation, as in other strategic areas, countries are very much driven by self-interest. Canada forgets this rule at its peril," the briefing paper says. "Our sky is open, at least as open as can be given ... our national interest."
Anybody care to comment? Is this protectionism of AC or is Emirates too heavily subsidized and thus it would not be a balanced playing field?
