European airlines have been delivering an overpriced product, with indiferent service, and poor standard of service for years, and we were happy to pay because the alternative wasn't available. What's more their position was protected by the EU locking ou the competition.
Funny how you can now book a ticket with BA online !!! and assuming you book early for a decent price too!! Only took Easy-Jet to make em do it !
Emirates, deliver a decent priced product, with good service and clearly have realised how to differentiate their service from the poor levels delivered in Europe. Remember it was Emirates and Virgin that first put TV's on seatbacks in economy, with good old European airlines following suit 2-3 years later.
Finally, airlines are waking up to the fact that people have choices about where they spend their money.
I would leave you with one question. What's the value in a national flag carrying airline? And would you pay extra to maintain one ???