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Emirates cuts flights to USA by 20% and blames Trump

In the wake of the recent electronic devices ban enforced by the Trump administration last month, Emirates is cutting its flights to the United States by 20 per cent.

In the wake of the recent electronic devices ban enforced by the Trump administration last month, Emirates is cutting its flights to the United States by 20 per cent.

The Middle East’s largest carrier cites the sizeable dip in demand squarely on increased U.S security measures and the Trump administration’s bans on travellers from selected Muslim nations.

The flight reductions will affect five of its 12 US destinations, with the first cutbacks beginning next month.

Despite the airline’s attempts to get around the ban by introducing free inflight tablets and wifi for premium travellers, the ban has had a bigger impact on Emirates than the airline had predicted.

“The recent actions taken by the US government relating to the issuance of entry visas, heightened security vetting, and restrictions on electronic devices in aircraft cabins, have had a direct impact on consumer interest and demand for air travel into the US,”

Emirates Statement.

jennifer-aniston-emirates

Jennifer Aniston in Emirates ad campaign

In a push to expand into the US, the airline had successfully been using Advertising Campaigns in recent months featuring US Actor, Jennifer Aniston to break down cultural stereotypes and attract more Americans to use Emirates.

Emirates said it had seen “healthy growth and performance” in the US as a result until the start of this year.

Ever since Trump has been in office, however, there has been what the airline is describing as “a significant deterioration in the booking profiles on all our US routes, across all travel segments”.

Emirates A380 staff

 

ETIHAD AIRWAYS REPORT NO CHANGE IN DEMAND

Meanwhile, rival United Arab Emirates carrier Etihad Airways is reporting no significant change in demand on flights to and from the United States in recent weeks.

According to the airline, demand continues to remain strong on all 45 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and its six US gateways of New York, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas.

Etihad A380 aircraft

Etihad A380

From1 June, Etihad Airways’ second daily Abu Dhabi – New York service will be upgraded to an A380, making its twice-daily flights on the route an all superjumbo ‎operation.

An Etihad Spokesperson said;

“This demonstrates Etihad’s on-going commitment to the US market regardless of recent developments.”

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