Originally Posted by
RTW1
Great... now we have gone from the OP's unwillingness to respond to any arguments to the personal vendetta's from the LH forums. Could we stay on topic please and stick to the subject at hand and not the same LH ........ that has ruined so many threads there.
I think what we need is a nice summary of the discussion, does not have to be a longitudinal review.
FD1971 brought an interesting perspective from which any airline may be viewed as a financial scam. I mean from all these other vantage points it's simply not the case. But if one was to take certain assumptions for granted, and treats some definitions as absolute, then sure, there's not a single enterprise in this world with clean books. ~ even religious institutions, no, especially religious ones.
I must admit that's taking things too far even academically. I'm not sure the OP's argument was in that vicinity to begin with. His was based on the observation of A380s flying long haul 'from' various US hubs to what he essentially considers as a cul de sac destination. If other airlines couldn't do it, then EK simply can not. He contrasted EK's gov-pumped up suspicious operations and strategy with the role models of the US, both as viewed by him.
Many of us presented arguments to the contrary, some at a micro level with estimations of revenue, costs and profits at a worst case scenario, others with examinations of the OPs argument and citing facts/references that debunk it. Some provided anecdotes and examples from their own observations. Others tried a wider perspective using counter examples from within the industry. And some went personal, questioning the OP's alleged industry expertise and knowledge. The discussion touched on other carriers in the region as well as the A380, as an aircraft and as a programme, but remained focused on the thread title.
Despite that the OP maintained his position foreseeing that EK will belly up in 5 years. The OP appeared to several as someone trolling the thread which was about to get shut by the mods.
The lively discussion draws out long time lurkers, including an ex-employee who gives a realistic account further confirming that yields are no laughing matter for the airline.
The OP hangs up his boots citing lack of time/evidence in continuing the discussion. At which point another poster comes in with the perspective mentioned earlier, while revisiting term definitions and citing other airlines beginnings.
....