Qatar Airways reaches Open Skies deal with the EU

While the fiery dispute between U.S. legacy carriers and three major Gulf airlines continues to rage, the focus of Qatar Airways has now shifted to Europe. Reuters reported early on February 5, 2019, that the State of Qatar and the European Union (EU) are getting closer to finalizing a comprehensive air services agreement. The deal was signed later in the day, hailed by Qatar Airways chief as a "landmark" agreement that should provide "a significant competitive edge" to carriers from both the EU and Qatar. According to a statement by CEO Akbar Al Baker, the State of Qatar and the EU are “in the final stages” of closing a comprehensive “Open skies” air services agreement, negotiations over which have been going on for years, Reuters reported early on February 5, 2019.