Dubai World debt problems create airline uncertainty; interests wide and pervasive

Dubai World's move to defer debt repayments and restructure its organisation (not for the first time this year) has global implications. USD59 billion in debt is large by most standards, but not intrinsically debilitating for the global markets. For aviation, the implications could be significant. The group has extensive and diverse airline and related investments. These stretch into many areas of activity, from an investment in EADS to Indian low cost airline, SpiceJet.