Advantaged Airlines: Gulf Carriers’ Competitive Positioning

In a time when the global airline industry faces significant challenges, a number of airlines — especially Gulf-based carriers — are enjoying extraordinary success. As noted in today’s Wall Street Journal, Etihad Airways — the national carrier of the UAE — enjoyed an astonishing 64% rise in passenger volume last year. The airline industry is one in which the Gulf States enjoy some substantial competitive advantages in the global marketplace, as well as a set of challenges particular to their unique circumstances.