Lets just wait and see what the loads are like when it gets up and running in Feb/Mar 09. I am sure there are plenty of pax willing to give VA a try because they are the new kid on the block. They have been shafted for years by QF and UA offering a rather average product on one of the longest sectors. Finally QF have the 380's and they will be running head to head against the 777's both far superior products to the aging 747's that have been used on the route.
I believe that next year UA will pull out of the route all together and leave it to the two Aussie carriers to battle it out. QF will be happy for the competition and will give VA a percentage of the market just like they allowed DJ to take just a tad over 30% of the domestic scene.
Competition allows the employer to instill some fear in the employees and give them some leverage when its time to negotiate pay. QF needs VA to survive so it can continue to cut costs on its LH dept.