Emirates of Dubai, which is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, will begin service to Orlando on September 1, 2015. The airline which has recently been embroiled in controversy thanks to Delta’s CEO for alleged links to terrorists has also been cited by European and American activists as being subsidized by the Government of Dubai. But the reality is Emirates along with competitors Qatar Airwats and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways have made air travel more accessible to many in South Asia and Africa with lower fares and better service than their European or American competitors.

Recently, American, Delta and United targeted the three large Middle Eastern airlines for having unfair advantages in the global aviation market. the US Chamber of Commerce has facilitated a discussion on this matter that seems to be biased toward the American-based carriers. I have my own personal issues with the treatment of migrant workers in the Gulf states in the Middle East, but these three airlines are doing a great deal correctly, and Emirates entry into the Orlando market will be a win for Floridians and consumers.

PHOTO “Emirates Boeing 777-200LR A6-EWD IAD” by Alex Steffler from Houston, TX, US – EmiratesUploaded by Altair78. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emirates_Boeing_777-200LR_A6-EWD_IAD.jpg#/media/File:Emirates_Boeing_777-200LR_A6-EWD_IAD.jpg