Fuel
The whole JQ/QF Japan discussion comes down to $$$. It is cheaper to use JQ on the route based on the airlines overall cost structure.Passenger service and customer satisfaction is not a considation,never has been and never will be.
Break even costs are when fuel is around $100.00 per barrel (approximately,as prices tend to fluctuate like Alan's OTP performance bonus).As soon as the fuel cost exceeds this figure,JQ will (and have previously) dropped routes and/or the amount of sectors flown.It is a fairly simple formula for the group,any thing under $100.00 per barrel = cucumber sandwiches,Beluga caviar and a bottle of Chateau Lafite 1787
for Team BCG !!
So raise your glasses....