Calligula,
Respectfully you are clutching at straws. The petrol isn't free and it's not the pilot's costs I'm talking about. You are however, correct about several of their competitive positions, such as no personal or company tax.
I think one of the previous respondents mounted a pretty good case as to why EK pilot costs are at least no higher than QFs. There are 30 000 workers give or take in the emirates group. of these I would guess that the average wage is $1 000 a month with little or no super costs. That is the advantage. No unions, no negotiations, take it or leave it.
Unfortunately that's why QF can't compete unless it modifies it's cost base .