I agree with the above. EK is definitely still extremely popular in the market. As a travel consultant I know first hand that demand for EK is high from NZ (even with the leapfrog routing). Availability through July and August to DXB is really tight showing that flights are definitely selling on this route. I'm trying to get a pax BKK-DXB-BKK late June and have to route AHU or DOH to get seats at a decent price (NZD1,200 vs EK at NZD2,400). I've only ever had one bad flight on EK due to a grumpy Y crew member out of about an average of 10-12 flights per year for the last five years mixed across Y and J (probably 50-50). I've loved every J flight with EK. I would like to see on time performance out of SYD improve though, I always seem to be boarding at scheduled departure time, but the lounge more then pacifies.