During a press conference in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways refuted as “baseless” claims by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines that Gulf carriers including Qatar unfairly benefit from government subsidies, giving them an advantage under Open Skies treaties.

Calling the claims “a transparent attempt to block new competition and limit consumer choice,” Akbar said, “U.S. Open Skies agreements are about offering choice, the ability to fly with the airline you prefer, to regions which are under-served by U.S. carrier. The Big Three [American, Delta and United] want to restrict choice. World travelers would suffer if they succeed.”

During the press conference, Al Baker drew attention to broader aspects of Open Skies treaties including providing flights to regions in the Gulf and Indian subcontinent not currently served by U.S. carriers.

“The Big Three do not compete with us on a single non-stop route,” said Al Baker. “The beneficial exchange of culture and commerce made possible by the U.S.-Qatar Open Skies agreement must not be blocked by the Big Three merely because we have chosen to serve markets that they have ignored.”