Emirates is currently studying the basings concept. They have concluded that with the present rate of expansion, a growing network and the difficulty in keeping pilots living in the desert, that bases are inevitably the only way to go. Rumour has it that a 2012 launch date is agreed. A friend in 'high' places at the airline has confirmed these details. Initially it will be London, NY, SYD. A US west coast base is also likely. Once an airline reaches a certain size, it is not logistically possible to keep all your pilots in one base.