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This topic this week is focussed on the Gulf region home of the fast rising behemoths Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad.
The last few days have been startling to say the least. From competing head-on, the airlines of the world, have accepted, nay welcomed, the Middle East Big 3 (MEB3) of Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad.
A few weeks back the shocker of an announcement, Australia’s QANTAS was dumping oneworld partner, and virtual cousin, British Airways, in favour of (gasp) Emirates!!!! and…. QANTAS, the second largest airline at Singapore Changi airport, will shift its base to Dubai!!!!!
Then the week began with news that Abu Dhabi based Etihad is signing a long term partnership with SkyTeam founders Air France-KLM and in a rare instance of cross alliance cooperation, Air France and KLM will code share with oneworld member airberlin, in which, Etihad, has an almost 29% stake. SkyTeam cooperating with oneworld cooperating with MEB3 mon dieu!!!! H’as the world gone mad?!?!?
On Tuesday came the announcement that Qatar Airways is joining the oneworld alliance and its mentor is, yes you guessed it, British Airways. Willie Walsh to Alan Joyce, I say, good show. What chaps??
What are your thoughts?
Have the MEB3 become mainstream? With their global footprint, will they benefit or wreak havoc on their partners over the long term? Can the oneworld CEOs contain Mr. Akbar Al Baker?
Share your views. Talk back to your fellow readers.
