Originally Posted by AnQrKa
I assume then that QF require a diversion to the nearest suitable airport in event of a major technical problem? How do QF differentiate between the two?
Correct.
A "suitable airport" is a Cat A or B airport which doesn't require an alternate, or for which the appropriate holding fuel is carried.
A Cat C airport (these are obviously different for various different aircraft types) cannot be a "suitable" airport. Thus Majuro can never be used as a "suitable" airport for diversion (for an A330).
Essentially by defining it this way, QF have said "yeah you could conceivably divert to a Cat C airport or an emergency airport if you really think you need to, but it's not the most desirable airport on account of a number of factors, so we're not going to force your hand". These pre-determined categories of course take into account the runways available, navigation aids, emergency services, lighting, and a bunch of other stuff.
QF also gives the Pilot in Command an out, in that he can do whatever he feels is necessary for the safety of the flight under the circumstances (except proceed past the nearest suitable), irrespective of all these definitions. But certainly in the incident described, there would be no rules or criteria broken at all by continuing to HNL. I think JQ operate by the same or similar principles.