Left2Primary: I have heard on the rumour mill that Australian have concludede a deal with AIPA which sees better than 8 hours flight time with 2 or 3 pilots and nil horizontal rest as required by the CAO's. You will find AO can now operate to Shanghai from the south or the north.
It surprises me that the Indians and Chinese would any Ausssie carrier back, bearing in mind the number of withdrawals QF has executed from both markets over the years. Is it called something-or-other interruptus? No wonder the Rat found it hard to make money with such inconsistent policy.