The solution to all their problems was staring them in the face from across the airfield.
EK have effectively wet leased half of FZ rather than bring back the a380 in meaningful numbers.
Crew that are already in Dubai with visas, current in training, cheaper contracts.
FZ has small, efficient, underused aircraft.
Extending the old 777 leases planned for retirement was the clue.
Already sharing routes, infra, codes, terminals, ground services.
It kicks the a380 another year down the road until capacity returns for both airlines.