Isn't it kind of difficult to compete on the "Kangaroo Route" vs the likes of SQ, QF, and EK without a first class offering? Won't BA be bringing some premium customers through HKG who will expect first class to the bigger cities in Oz?
Also, I'm not sure the A359 will be cheaper to operate to Oz than the A333 when you factor in the price of the aircraft. My understanding is that the A350 will be a true long haul aircraft whereas the A330 is more well suited for medium haul. HKG to OZ is at the outer limits of the medium haul range. That is why the A330 is so well suited for it. There is a lot of extra structure that goes into a true long haul airplane like the A350 or the 777-300ER, so I don't think either will be used for Oz. The more likely A333 replacement is the B787-10.
Last edited by cxorcist; 2nd Mar 2013 at 07:23.