I just see constant pressure on costs - from shareholders, banks etc and that means a change in the business model - go onto the Fragrant Harbour thread and read how the CX guys have had their T&C chipped away over the last 10-15 years and you'll get a flavour of what will happen at QF in the next 20.
What cost do you refer to?
If you refer to operating costs, that is low hanging fruit.
However, if you want a glimpse into the future, reform of the back office is where things will change.
Until that time, pilots will be under pressure but operating revenue is generated from operating, not administering.
With an aging western economy and substantial barriers to entry (money, time and aptitude) airlines have a relationship problem; their relationship with their staff, particularly operationally critical staff like pilots will change, eventually.
Wander around Cathay Pacific city, Waterside or the aptly named Coward Street.
Floors of staff all doing who knows what. They have to be carried in the seat cost of the the CGU (Qantas term Capital Generating Unit-Accountant speak for aircraft)