“We believe this would be an unfortunate outcome for the Qantas International business but could represent the reality of operating an airline in a competitive aviation market,” he wrote.
Weasel words 101.
The aircraft does not exist, the science does not exist to support long term health and pilot costs were never the determinant of a "business case"
Qantas International chief executive Tino La Spina said the company was not expecting something for nothing. “These are growth aircraft, not replacement for older ones, so that means a significant increase in pilot numbers,” Mr La Spina said.
Wasn't the same thing said of the B787 a "growth" aircraft which very quickly replaced retiring ones?
What is the net air frame gain since the introduction of the B787?
Without science to support it and a manufacturer to build it, this project is like Red Q, JQ Hong Kong, a terminal decline yet transformation and a hub re-location and back again from Dubai..