Originally Posted by
ShyGuy
Did you hear the new budget passing preventing a government shutdown this month included an increase in taxes on airlines (again). Or is that not on your radar? There is no such thing as a "level playing field" in a global market. Someone, somewhere, will always do what you are doing at a cheaper rate.
True. But in your case you at least pay, for the most part, the same taxes and fees that everyone else does in the domestic market. You cut deals for aircraft that is not subsidized by a third party. Your cost advantages lie in areas that has little or nothing to do with direct Government policy. That is fair enough. However, imagine a few years from now after your company has grown more and your contract / working conditions have improved as well. Would you tolerate another startup coming into your markets and undercutting you with heavy and sustained US Government / local government support? No taxes on baggage fees, reduced TSA fees, landing fees waived, and so on. Would that be acceptable to you? Obviously we can't control what the UAE does for Emirates. All we can do is lobby in DC to limit the excess burden being placed on US carriers. The more of us they hear from, the better. To shrug our shoulders and do nothing is foolish.