I feel now that I have smelt enough smoke to think this is credible. As I see it there are 3 options available not in any order.
1) Keep the 6 747-400 ERs for an extra couple of years, the advantage of this as I see it is that it keeps going to Haneda where despite the confidence (arrogance) of management I don’t see the Japanese allowing the 380 to go there.
2) Dry lease a number of 380s from Emerates , these would have to be repainted, also different pax configuration and engine type.
3) There is some smoke here I feel, get more 787s quicker. Told today that 787 training is ramping up with Singapore again to be utilised with QF instructors.
We live in interesting times.