MM
"Foul Play" ? .... no. No possibility.
It appears from investigations that there is a systemic problem that has been discovered, and several engines are affected.
I don't think QF is the only airline with these engine problems.
A380 / LAX 25R
The A380 is unable to use 25R owing to insufficient wingtip clearance with aircraft on the adjacent taxiway B, and obviously it is unable to use B or C for the same reason to get to 25R. If they use 25L (say they were parked on the South side), they cross the runways and use the taxiways to the South.
Same story on 24L and E if there is a 747 on either (though that is not often). We were held in position on 24L once in a 747 whilst an A380 cleared E after taxiing all the way back after landing 24R.
The A380 and its big wing give it an advantage in airfield performance and altitude selection, so 24L is a practical (if tight on occasion) option.
747 400ER
They are fitted with First Class, so even though they might appear in SFO, that would be unusual, since QF don't sell First in the SFO run.
The vanilla 400 can do LAX-MEL with restrictions (initially they were used for that when the route opened) however the ER is much more comfortable, with the extra fuel and takeoff weight. Does about the same payload as an A380 on that sector, though obviously not the same number of seats.
The ER is generally favoured for SYD-EZE, SYD-JNB and LAX-MEL (soon to be replaced) because of its extra capability.
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