It is interesting to think of how different things were ten years ago. Then most of the majors did not really conceive of EK becoming the powerhouse it is today. The EK leadership did not take too longer to realise that the costs and restrictions of joining an alliance would far outweigh the benefits to them.

How will it be in another decade with 100 A380's and other new generation aircraft? The current fuss over bilateral agreements will certainly become more serious issues than they are now.