One of the main drivers behind the idea to pawn off the 4 A330-200's may be that they do not suit Mainline Ops. They have the longlegs over the 300's, but due to shortsightedness, the cabin floor strength is insufficient to carry the new sky beds. Would cost something like $100 million to upgrade. Thus the 200's are currently flying domestic patterns. Must be the flying test base for cycles on a 200. Longhaul, 2 class con fig., but with standard business seat (Jet Star intl?), would suit these aircraft. On another note, how are the 300's going to service Sydney-Beijing direct, this January?
Here is the press release:
http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/us/press/1073
It doesn't have the legs for a full pax. load, unless they plan to make a tech stop every time they need to carry an alternate(or not fill all the seats).