OPINION:
I read with great interest “Trump signs executive order for ’buy-American, hire-American’ policy” (Web, April 18). Last week I flew on American Airlines from Philipsburg in St. Maarten to Charlotte, North Carolina. To the passengers’ surprise, there was no in-flight media entertainment on the flight, which lasted four hours and 16 minutes.
Airlines never fail to charge passengers for checked bags, snacks, preferred seating, etc., but they constantly fail to provide quality services. Yet the CEOs of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines recently contacted Secretary of State Rex Tillerson complaining about the “massive subsidization” of their Gulf rivals. They urged our “buy-American, hire-American” president to review agreements that allow Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad to fly from the UAE and Qatar to any U.S. destination.
It is clear that until American companies learn how to provide quality products and services to consumers, President Trump’s new executive order would be just a piece of paper.
ILYA RUBINSTEIN
Brooklyn, N.Y.
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