What language surrounds me when flying?

Economics and Politics are closely related. I found this topic interesting due to the fact that not many people know what is happening when they fly. Most people think the languages spoken are either their own language or English, but that’s not true. This is what happens:

There are six official ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) languages which are the following: Chinese, Arabic, French, English, Russian and Spanish. English is the ´most official` one, this is because all air traffic controllers must speak English at a decent level. Countries which speak one of the official languages (other than English) may use their own language with airlines which speak their language. All foreign airlines must be spoken to, in English; so, for example:

Air France, in France, is spoken to, in French and Air France also replies in French. But for example British Airways in Paris will be spoken to, in English. The same applies for Spain, South America, Russia, China, etc....

France, Spain and Russia choose to speak their language and English; but some countries like Qatar or UAE, communicate just in English (even though, Arabic is an official language, that can be spoken, they choose not to speak it). Example: Emirates in Dubai- will always be spoken to, in English.

This is where people get confounded: Can Lufthansa speak in German in Frankfurt- the answer is: NEVER. This is because German is not an official language.

Another situation which confuses people- Can Air France speak in English, in France, if it wants to, because imagine the pilot is English; the answer is OF COURSE, you can always request to be spoken in English.

A frequently asked question is: If I am a British Airways pilot and I speak perfect French, can I speak in French?? Answer: NEVER. Because British Airways decides the only language to be spoken by their crew is English, so it is not the pilot`s decision. In Air France they choose to speak French/English. Iberia-Spanish/English. Aeroflot-Russian/English..........

A post on the official languages (it explains everything. It`s in Spanish, sorry!): http://cvc.cervantes.es/lengua/anuario/anuario_98/eloy/eloy_03b.htm#Organización de Aviación