European airlines are bystanders in the long simmering “open skies” dispute between US and Gulf airlines that looks like it is about to shoot up to the top of President Trump’s “America First” agenda.

Qatar Airways Cargo is launching a new freighter route to Dallas/Fort Worth from Liege in the new year that the carrier says will be the start of a major expansion of its network and fleet through 2016.

IAG Cargo has indefinitely extended the capacity partnership agreement with Qatar Airways that marked the Anglo-Spanish carrier’s exit from freighter operations a year ago.

Qatar Airways today said it plans to order four new Boeing 777 freighters with an option for four more, bolstering its ambitious bid to become a Top 5 cargo airline by 2018.

The Middle East’s leading airlines made clear their common determination to boost passenger and freight market shares this weekend at the 2013 Dubai Airshow as they dominated the headlines with a series of huge orders for new airplanes.

Qatar Airways will launch a new freighter service between Milan and Chicago in July, doubling the Middle Eastern carrier’s cargo capacity out of the U.S.