Whatever the credit crisis is doing to US/EU economies, US/EU airlines need to concentrate on TATL as there is going to be alot of competition over the next few years.
Any airline is now able to fly from DUB to any destination in the US. AF could launch DUB-LAX next week just like they have done at LHR. Or LH could get into the NYC market and link up with Jetblue from DUB.
EI need to firm up their DUB-US routes before looking East. They don't have a strangle hold like BA at LHR, KL at AMS, LH at FRA or AF at CDG.
I am sure when they get their A350s they will expand back to the East.