Delta CEO hits out at GCC carriers; reports September traffic

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian has once again claimed that government subsidies allegedly granted to Gulf carriers is what has made it uncompetitive for American airlines to fly to GCC countries. Bastian claimed that Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates had received $50 billion in state subsidies allowing them to offering substantial discounted long-haul fares. The three carriers in question have all denied repeatedly that they receive subsidies. Meanwhile, Delta has reported its consolidated passenger unit revenue (PRASM) for the month of September declined 3.0% year over year, as close-in domestic yield pressures moderated slightly with the implementation of