Originally Posted by Lumpster
From other threads of discussions, I think it is fair to say that Emirates benefits from load factors that are significantly above airline norms. However, above all, I think there is either a large degree of govt. subsidisation or acceptance of much lower margins, as the success of Emirates has seen as a key part of the strategy to attract people to/through Dubai, thereby helping the state's economy to develop, diversify and grow.
I believe its actually the opposite. EK's break even load factor is around 60%, and its average load factor is around 75%.
Also - there is 0 gov subsidisation, but EK does benefit from low oil costs. I think their success is partly due to their very effective pricing stragety. They always seems to be getting the most amount of money out of me that they possibly can.
Cheers