Emirates chairman tells US airlines to improve service before pointing finger

New York

EMIRATES chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum has a simple message for airlines accusing his Dubai-based carrier of taking away their passengers: improve your offering and they'll come back.

US airlines calling on their government to limit the expansion of Persian Gulf rivals into their home market underestimated the competition when an air-services agreement was signed with the United Arab Emirates in 1999, Sheikh Ahmed said. Instead of turning back time, the likes of American Airlines Group, United Continental Holdings and Delta Air should focus on providing a better service, he said.