Turbulence Ahead For U.S.-Bound Indian Carriers

The advantage with Abu Dhabi is obvious enough. Imitation being a pithy evidence of flattery: Competitor Dubai and its resident airline, Emirates, want to get similar statU.S. as of yesterday! But Abu Dhabi and the UAE's "national" airline Etihad it is for now.

Three points need underscoring in the deal clinched amid stiff opposition from U.S. pilots and the odd American carrier.

First, the ruler of Abu Dhabi has bankrolled the set-up infrastructure and 80-85 percent of the $5-million that U.S. customs will need annually to maintain their shop in his kingdom.

Next, and this flows into the Sheikh's mission to make Etihad a global carrier, the U.S. market is one of the cornerstones of his vision to de-risk his kingdom from oil revenues. For the U.S., this is being marketed as a case for enhanced security and deeper checks.

The taste of the pudding now lies in how many millions the UAE can lure to the Abu Dhabi airport -- many, in fact, weaned from neighbouring Doha in Qatar and even Dubai, a part of the seven member-emirates comprising the kingdom.

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