US airlines have praised the agreement by the Trump administration and Qatar to open up the books of Qatar Airways.
Qatar has committed to be more transparent with accounting and auditing standards for the airline and Qatar Airways will no longer operate any ‘fifth freedom’ flights to the US originating from a third country.
A more transparent business model for QA is a step forward to a level playing field, said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
"Today’s agreement by the State of Qatar is a strong first step in a process for commercial transparency and accountability, and we remain committed to working with the administration to address the harmful trade violations by the United Arab Emirates as well," Bastian said.
American Airlines’ chief Doug Parker praised the administration’s ‘dogged determination to enforce U.S. trade agreements and stand up for American jobs.’
"Today’s landmark action will help create a level and fair playing field for American Airlines and other U.S. carriers," he added.
United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz also lauded the agreement: "It is important that all parties understand the need for a level playing field for U.S. based carriers, and the impact unfair competition can have on the good paying jobs our industry supports. We applaud this agreement and thank the administration."
The Partnership for Open & Fair Skies had been pushing for government action for more than two years to address unfair state subsidies it claims the governments pay to Qatar Airways and UAE airlines Emirates and Etihad.
The administration is expected to begin similar negotiations with the UAE government in the near future.
