OPINION:
Dennis Lennox’s July 23 persecution of U.S. airlines and their employees (“The hypocrisy of U.S. airlines”) is completely unfounded and laced with untruths. To equate more than $52 billion dollars in subsidies that the governments of Qatar and the UAE have funneled into their state-owned airlines to that of U.S. airlines is absurd.
Agreements with communities for modest grants for new service help create American jobs. They are worlds away from massive government subsidies to foreign state-owned airlines that target American workers and businesses. Delta is a major engine for job creation in communities nationwide, a direct counter to the jobs that disappear when subsidized airlines of Qatar and the UAE open new routes to the U.S.
The government subsidization of the big three Middle Eastern carriers — Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways — allows them to fly without regard to consumer demand or economic viability. The government subsidies make it impossible for the three U.S. global carriers, American, Delta and United, to compete, driving out U.S. competition and U.S. jobs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agrees, stating: “Make no mistake about it. American jobs are impacted when other countries subsidize the airlines. It’s not fair. It’s not right.”
The author goes on to claim that Delta “said it will no longer purchase American-made aircraft from Boeing.” This is simply false. Delta is one of the largest Boeing operators in the world, flying more than 600 Boeing jets. We recently completed deliveries of 130 state-of-the-art Boeing 737-900ER jets. Just as we support American jobs, we also support American companies like Boeing to provide the equipment, parts and services we use every day.
Over the last two years, the Trump administration has taken numerous steps fighting for hard-working Americans against unfair state subsidies. We applaud those efforts and urge this administration to continue to stand up against state subsidies and for American workers and communities.
LISA HANNA
Head of corporate communications for government affairs
Delta Air Lines
Washington
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