Qatar Airways Is Using Jennifer Lopez to Annoy Delta Air Lines

The chief executive of Qatar Airways Ltd. — and chief antagonist of Delta Air Lines Inc. — has said that his new Atlanta-Doha route would “rub salt in the wounds” of his U.S. rival. Jennifer Lopez will be on hand to shake out the first dash.On Tuesday night the Persian Gulf airline will celebrate flights linking Qatar’s capital to Delta’s headquarters city, with J. Lo, as the star is known, expected to perform at the city’s historic Fox Theatre in front of Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker and guests.The backdrop to the gala is a dogfight in international skies between established U.S. carriers like Delta and upstart Middle Eastern airlines. Delta has accused Qatar and other Gulf carriers of competing unfairly by receiving billions in government subsidies to seize huge shares of the global market. Qatar’s new route to Delta’s hometown is the latest salvo in the battle.