Interesting comments CaptA320.
I am currently on the fence as to what will happen at EK. On the surface we have Sheik Mo' telling the world it is business as usual in DXB, on the other hand the rest of the world is seeing the downturn. Normally I would totally agree with you in the "real world" but in the case of EK should the rulers decide it will be "business as usual" their pockets are deep enough to make that happen (perhaps unlike our cousins in Bahrain?). I think the DXB airshow will be interesting both in the aircraft orders (if there are in fact any ordered that don't drop bombs!) and if so if EK makes any moves. Still 11 on order for delivery for 2002 but I wouldn't be surprised to see that change. Interesting times we live in!