PanAm was first on the Pacific with non-stops and Qantas followed with 3 a week. PA were eventually beaten in the market place as they often had to make a pit stop westbound. The RR engined SP was superior to the PWatts of PanAM.
YMML-VABB (Mumbai) was operated with RR engined 747-238s. Tankage was often the limit as the forecast for their pre-dawn arrival in Mumbai invariably called for an alternate. The fuel tankers would stay connected in YMML until final ZFW was know so that more gas could be loaded. This service came after the 747-338's began non-stops VTBD-EGLL. This was also a tight operation but assisted by early afternoon and often quite benign wx for arrival in EGLL. Always flown with min. fuel.
Qantas loved to stretch the aircraft and challenge the despatchers and drivers.
