Coming to terms with the disruptors

Within the context of global aviation disruption, Emirates and its low cost long haul-to-long haul model is right at the top of the tree. For years, as Emirates grew rapidly in Australia, Qantas railed at the government's liberalisation of the UAE bilateral agreements, arguing this seriously undermined the flag carrier's economics. Added to the longstanding impact of Asian airlines' sixth freedom dilution of Qantas' Europe traffic, Emirates effectively spelled the end of any long term aspirations to serve Europe effectively.