M=rat, you are right in that the FAA has zero "control" over EK or the GCAA. BUT as has been said numerous times here, they do have a control over the access the GCAA carriers have into the US. Do EK and EY want more access into cities beyond what they are already flying? Why would EK announce 2 additional ULRs PRIOR to the audit, when EK is desperate for more pilots? The GCAA is confident that there will be no problems with the audit. We'll see.