Emirates has stated in the past that it is not a Government owned / sponsored airline
No, it has never claimed it is not Government owned- it's sole owner is the Government of Dubai and that has never been disputed.
It states it isn't Government
subsidised and that is largely true:- it returns money TOO the Dubai Government, it doesn't get money FROM them, though it is no doubt adventagious in areas like Airport terminal space and financing to have a State as your owner.
(By the way, whats going on with EPI??)
Nothng good...