Etihad Airways says US carriers got $70bn in government aid

Etihad Airways has answered U.S. airlines’ claims that the Abu Dhabi-based carrier benefits from subsidies, alleging that those airlines received more than $70 billion in government support since 2000, largely via bankruptcy protection and pension guarantees.

Etihad presented its subsidy claims as the Obama administration is slated to broaden its review of U.S. carriers’ allegations that Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have received more than $40 billion in Gulf-state subsidies, letting them lower prices and push U.S. competitors out of certain markets.

The Gulf carriers have denied the subsidy allegations. Rather, Etihad says it has received equity and loans from its sole shareholder, the government of Abu Dhabi.

Risk Advisory Group Plc, hired by Etihad, reviewed public data on Delta Air Lines Inc, United Continental Holdings Inc, American Airlines Group Inc and the companies with which they have merged to arrive at the $70 billion figure.

“We simply wish to highlight the fact that U.S. carriers have been benefiting and continue to benefit from a highly favorable legal regime,” Etihad’s General Counsel Jim Callaghan said in a news release.

U.S. airlines have dismissed similar charges.

“The Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) process is not a ‘subsidy,’ as established by international trade law,” said Jill Zuckman, spokeswoman for a U.S airline-union coalition known as the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies. “In addition, U.S. taxpayers are not liable for any restructuring of airline pension plans in bankruptcy.”