You don't reckon EK put a 340-500 on that direct route for nothing do you?
Have read else where that QR will route that run via asia, as does EK with the 777-300 through Singa's.
The 777 could go direct but without a full load, which as far as freight is concerned is very important out of MEL.
Speaking of great circle...that is all very well but does not allow for flexibility to take advantage/avoid enroute weather.
Have QR signed up for flex tracking in Oz FIR like EK?
halas