There isn't much said over here in Canada about Air Canada lobbying the CDN gov't for help in staving off competition from EK or any other airline. If the CDN gov't can't make decisions about who can and who can't have access to our airports without considering the impact both positive and negative before making its decision, gawd help us.
I believe initially they (AC) would/should have an input when it comes to bilateral agreements with foreign airlines intentions relative to passenger/commercial traffic into and out of Canada. As would all the other CDN airlines. So, I wouldn't think or suggest there is a major 'lobbying effort' on the part of AC or any other carrier over here to block or ban EK. There isn't. I also happen to think it's quite reasonable that AC will and should keep their eye on the ball.
There wasn't much fuss when QR asked for and was granted landing rights. When you look at the Gulf Region hubs, you have to ask why one carrier from that region should have more access to Canada than others from that region?
Canadians generally haven't a clue about EKs vision of dominating the world's airline industry and most CDNs couldn't give a stuff. EK's request for additional services and new destinations within Canada was looked at and the request was turned down. Decision made. Turn the page!
The immature reaction of the UAE gov't is understandable. It's a young country that doesn't run like any democratic model out there, including Canada. By escalating this issue they are putting themselves in yet another 'face saving' position where they will have to hope Canada doesn't cancel EK and EY landing rights and/or overflights. If that happens, the UAE, EK and EY are, 'ow you say? fuct.
As a mature and responsible nation it is highly unlikely that Canada will ever take such measures against the UAE or its air traffic use of Canadian airspace. That's how a mature nation behaves.
Lot's of VFR traffic between Canada and the sub-continent. India's population alone is
1,166,079,217.
The population of Canada is
33,487,208.Making Canada an insignificant market. EK is interested in providing uplift to the sub-continent from Canada and it is completely clear why they would be.
Canada is a multicultural country with people from all over the world who have now made Canada their home. Ethnic Groups (wholly or partly): North American Origin 40%, British Origin 33%, French Origin 16%, Other European 29%, Aboriginal peoples 4%, South, East & South-East Asian 9%, Other (mostly Caribbean, Arab, African, Latin/Central/South American and West Asian) 6%. The total comes to more than 100% because many Canadians (approximately 38%) have a mixed background.
Increased visa fees for Canadians travelling to the UAE is a non-starter. The reasons behind the re-introduction of visa fees for CDNs is childish at the least and immature at best and nothing more. UAE decision made. Turn the page.
Willie Everlearn
