“I am delighted that Richard Anderson of Delta is not here. First of all, we don’t fly crap airplanes that are 35 years old. The Qatar Airways average fleet is only four years and one month,” stated Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, during a recent event.

Al Baker made the statement in the midst of ongoing volleys between U.S. and Gulf carriers following the release earlier this year of a detailed report from three U.S. carriers (Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines) alleging Gulf carriers have an unfair advantage under Open Skies agreements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

An average age of 35 years for the fleet of a major U.S. carrier seemed a tad on the high side to us, so Global Traveler reached out to Delta for confirmation. Turns out the average of Delta’s fleet is 16.9 years, almost two decades newer than Al Baker stated. Delta Air Lines commenced operations in 1929. Qatar Airways launched in 1994.

The dispute stems from a 55-page report by Delta, American and United alleging $42 billion in subsidies afforded Gulf carriers Qatar, Etihad and Emirates since 2004, including about $16 billion for Doha-based Qatar and about $17 billion for Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, have distorted the marketplace and taken business away from competitors. The Gulf carriers have refuted the claims.

The U.S. carriers are seeking revisions from the Obama administration to the existing Open Skies air treaties with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and to halt additional Gulf airline service to the United States.

Following the release of the report, The Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, an organization that represents the interests of U.S. carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, released documents to support their claims of unfair competition.

“With the U.S. government now investigating the Gulf carriers’ massive subsidies, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates must open their books and offer the same level of financial transparency that U.S. airlines provide,” said Jill Zuckman, chief spokesman, Partnership for Open & Fair Skies.

Al Baker is expected to address the U.S. airlines’ claims during a presentation on May 13.

What’s your take on the debate? Did government assistance give the Gulf carriers operating under the Open Skies treaty an unfair advantage over U.S. carriers? Email us. Please include your full name and location with your email.