The latest events in the continuing dispute between Gulf and US-based airlines contains an important lesson for the global aviation sector and many other bodies, too. After a 50-page report was presented by US air carriers in January accusing Gulf carriers of breaching the open skies agreement that dictate access to American commercial air space, Emirates chief executive Tim Clark responded this week with a 400-page rebuttal that picks apart each and every one of the allegations being levelled against it.
From supposed unfair state subsidies to perceived anti-competitive business practices, Mr Clark brought the debate into the public view, much to the chagrin of US airlines who appear keen to keep the details of the dispute cloaked in mystery and intrigue. Withholding or cleverly reshaping information is no longer a viable option for businesses that need to build trust to thrive in the aviation industry.
The basic contours of the open skies row have been well rehearsed over the past few months. American legacy carriers are threatened by the emergence of the “big three” Gulf airlines – Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways – into the lucrative American aviation market. Arguing that the Gulf airlines have unduly benefited from state subsidies, American carriers and some aviation bodies are attempting to stifle free market competition by calling foul.
Of course, all of this rhetoric from American carriers comes with a hefty bit of revisionism, given the long history of government interventionism in the US, especially in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Mr Clark’s approach of putting the entire debate into the public domain demonstrates that after all is said and done, consumers don’t want to deal with companies that shroud their operations with secrecy. The industry as a whole can ill afford for this internal spat to continue for too long.
Mr Clark’s move towards transparency should be welcomed. That a UAE-based company is leading this shift towards openness is to be applauded and provides a powerful example, not just for the aviation industry, but for the all areas of both the public and private sectors. Open and reliable enterprises are the way of commerce in the future. Emirates already recognises this fact, it’s time others outside the airlines business did as well.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
SPECS
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Find the right policy for you
Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.
Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.
If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.
Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.
Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”
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The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL CARD
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
The National selections
6.30pm: Gifts Of Gold
7.05pm Final Song
7.40pm Equilateral
8.15pm Dark Of Night
8.50pm Mythical Magic
9.25pm Franz Kafka
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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OPENING FIXTURES
Saturday September 12
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds United
Tottenham v Everton
West Brom v Leicester
West Ham v Newcastle
Monday September 14
Brighton v Chelsea
Sheffield United v Wolves
To be rescheduled
Burnley v Manchester United
Manchester City v Aston Villa
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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