This document outlines a research proposal that examines the effects of the 2009 economic downturn on Emirates Airlines as a high-cost carrier. The proposal includes objectives to identify impacts on high-cost airlines during the recession, compare customer numbers before and after, and provide recommendations. The methodology involves secondary research on aviation data and a questionnaire distributed to Emirates Aviation College students and staff. The analysis section presents survey results on travel habits, class of travel, and opinions on measures airlines could take in a recession. The conclusion finds prices dropped as fewer people traveled. Recommendations include calculating pre- and post-recession rate changes and precisely measuring industry impacts.