FT.com - Etihad chief hits back over export financing feud

Western airlines are trying to divert attention from their structural failings by deepening a dispute over the funding advantages of fast-growing Middle Eastern carriers, said James Hogan, chief executive of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways.

Mr Hogan’s remarks hit back at Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, who says European export credit agencies are unfairly subsidising the growth of airlines such as Etihad and Emirates.

Mr Hogan argued that this was misleading, saying western airlines were falling behind because of agreements with unions, outdated infrastructure and hubs that were poorly located to tap Asia’s booming economies.