The other thing never raised, is that the somewhat similar incidents JNB and MEL had both homegrown captains at controls. Not that I would defend the DEC policy nor pretend they are better captains. But this might show some flaws in the training of EK's FOs right down to upgrading within EK. Many have pointed out the all too narrow path of our SOPs and their adherence, leaving out some common sense and lateral thinking, or experience gained elsewhere to settle in...wrote pool
At the time of the JNB incident there were around three DECs and several hundred homegrown Captains.
Apart from the ex cadets (who don't feature in these two or any other incidents) all EK pilots have worked for other airlines, just like the DECs.