The growth has plateaued and the party is over. The Co is unable to right size a market with a 788 or 332 size aircraft, the only answer is the largest twin or quad in the world.
Long thin point to point 'hub bypass' flying increasing.
Bilaterals (Germany, Canada, India etc) and political headwinds in US - all make for gloomy skies.
The relevance for EK pilots - much longer upgrades. If you joined in last few years, the music has stopped. Get used to your seat. Attrition your only friend (reason for 'don't like it leave' posts perhaps)
And if you are thinking of joining - it's one thing to wait 10-12 years for an upgrade in home country with a major - totally different proposition to come to an outfit in Middle East that has treated its pilots dismally & has lots of work to do with their soft skills.