Any more news on this?
RJ just ordered five today (although not yet clear if they're coming directly or via a leasing agency). With production slots filling up quickly to 2012, whoever it is who is buying these aircraft - EK, EY or others - would want to move quickly.
Just a thought; there is, I understand, a Gulf "alliance" of airlines (can't remember its name) - which includes many of those likely to want new aircraft, for example KU, SV, EY, EK, WY and GF. Might it be possible that these carriers would launch a joint order?