Airway I have no information about the overall loads on the SYD route, nor what loads were expected at this stage in the route's development. The B744 has not been proposed for use on this route, but I understand that it is envisaged that in the long term the A380 will take it. That may be several years away. The B744 is likely to specialize more and more on Caribbean and Florida 'beach' routes, and is unlikely to be used for any Asian routes.
The stopover at Sydney is about 28 hours. There are likely to be some changes to the crewing plot for this route shortly.
srjumbo as far as I'm aware, no GSS people have been employed by Virgin. I believe that 4 have applied. I can categorically confirm that there is no agreement of 'non employment' of GSS people between Virgin and GSS - such a policy would have no benefit to Virgin. If you wish to PM me, I can give you some further information.