We already have fifth freedom from Japan to West Coast USA. I believe we already have fifth freedom from NZ. It does make sense that EK want the Pacific from east coast Oz.
However, I think the main reason (short term) is the London (Heathrow) slots. We have 5 flights a day to LHR and they're all about to become A380. We will also have a scheduled B77F cargo flight to start between Dubai and London in December. QF have a couple of slots they don't or will no longer use.
Last edited by Bypass ratio; 9th Nov 2012 at 23:54.