Madrid route
 

I was looking at flights and note that EMirates are employing the old A330-200 on this route (poor sleeperete seats, no ICE etc). Seems strange to me - I would have thought that they would have wanted to make an impression to these new Spanish customers. Also their prices are unbeleiveably high. I have decided to travel from Spain to London and get the A380 back to Dubai which is actually works out cheaper.

Emirates normally test the water with this aircraft, then when loads pick up and EW aircraft become available from other routes they get upgraded.

As for impressing the Spanish, what other DXB competition is there that they need to beat?! I think even in Spain the Emirates brand will be recognized due to the heavy international football sponsorship and just general Dubai media coverage.

Oh and yes I am flying BA back to LHR rather than do the MAD route purely for 'craft spec and then price.

Which of the Middle East operators is actually covering the Spanish market? QR is flying to BCN right?

QR flies to MAD and launched BCN recently.