Originally Posted by
WHBM
I think they will need more than 12, converting the Perth to London flight is surely likely as well, along with the likes of San Francisco and Vancouver. Just because they are not at the absolute range extremity doesn't mean it's not an appropriate type for those runs. It can even be that, while the extreme range consideration slightly favours one type, the wider fleet consideration can tip it to the other, while outside commentators do not see the bigger picture.
I think this is the real significance.
If an order for the A350 goes ahead, it will rule out the B777 for future QANTAS twin-aisle fleet replacements: they'll surely buy some model of either the B787 or the A350, as these will already be in their fleet, rather than adding a third type.