The battle for the global airspace pitting European carriers against airlines from the Arabian Gulf has opened up connection choices for Kenya passengers travelling overseas.

European capitals have traditionally been the preferred hubs for boarding onward flights, but the war between airlines from the two regions has seen the Middle East emerge as a connection hub.

The war intensified last week with Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker raising concern over comments by the Association of European Airline Secretary General Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, that the Gulf carriers enjoyed heavy government subsidies.

“These airlines are owned by their respective governments, and are operated as an instrument of national strategy,” Schulte-Strathaus said, adding that governments should prevent additional market access by the airlines in the short term.

European and some North American airlines have been urging their governments to deny Gulf carriers new routes.

However, Akbar described the remarks as “factually incorrect and unfounded” since the US also subsidised its carriers 10 years ago following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“They should accept competition and that the customer is in the driver’s seat.”

The strategic growth of Middle East carriers, especially Emirates which in 2009 became the fastest growing airline in passenger-kilometre terms, is eating into the passenger numbers of European and North American airlines that have dominated the global airspace.

“For a large proportion of European travellers, it (Emirates) offers a one-stop transfer product to all major Asian, Australasian, and African destinations. And it is growing massively,” he said.

Increased competition in the aviation industry has seen major consolidations especially in Europe.

Three main groups are emerging in Europe — German-Swiss-Austrian-British-Belgian, Franco-Dutch, and Anglo-Spanish airlines — and are expected to impact operating structures in the industry.

Airlines are positioning themselves to carry the growing number of passengers. Recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that passenger numbers are expected to grow by 800 million by 2012.

The Middle East is expected to witness the fastest growth rate at 9.4 per cent, Europe 4.7 per cent, and the US 4.9 per cent.

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