Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are slowly in the process of sowing dissent among European airlines. Their representative association – the AEA – has just been notified back to back of the exit of British Airways, Iberia and Air Berlin. The three accuse the association of waging a protectionist war in Europe. Alitalia, 49% owned by Etihad, may follow.
What lit the powder keg is the attitude to be taken towards competition from the Gulf airlines. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa…