US, Emirates strike deal resolving airline spat

WASHINGTON — The United States and the United Arab Emirates have signed a deal resolving a years-old spat over alleged unfair competition in the U.S. by Emirati national carriers.

The deal was signed Friday in private at the State Department after months of negotiations. It was expected to be announced Monday when the Emirati foreign minister visits Washington.

The State Department declined to comment. The Associated Press obtained the text of the agreement, known as a “record of discussion.”

Under the agreement, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways agreed to open up their accounting books. U.S. airlines say those financial records obscure billions in government subsidies.

In a side letter, the Emiratis state they currently have no plans to add additional flights to the U.S. from Europe or other destinations outside the UAE.

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