So it happened AGAIN! Just got a call from Emirates advising me of a change of aircraft from Suites to regular seats. No apology, of course - but at least they called ahead - that's a (very slight) improvement. Unfortunately, my schedule does not allow change to a different flight, so I'm stuck.

Given how frequently this happens, I suspect that this has nothing to do with 'operational' emergencies - ie the original aircraft is being repaired. I would bet that EK simply uses it as an underhanded way to maximize yields, along the following lines:

1) Splash advertisements all over the world with pictures of the Suites
2) Attract pax to pay top dollar to fly in the Suites
3) Sell more FC tickets than suites
4) Switch aircraft last minute to aircraft with (larger number) of regular seats
5) Rip-off the passengers and make great profits (at least in the short term)

With their treatment of and attitude toward premium passengers, EK will surely suffer dramatically soon. I look forward to watching them go down from my front row seat.