Seems Virgin Atlantic are dropping the Hong Kong-Sydney extension for a new focus on the North Atlantic with Delta. Effective from May, and means Hong Kong base will close. Rather ruthless on the timing or perhaps a much needed focus shift that was years overdue.
Even more reasons to start thinking about an ULR direct route Heathrow-Sydney. I bet most of the costs involved here is by having to keep a hub, personnel, aircraft, service going for that last leg.
Heard the new 777-8X will be able to do it and carry a payload. Maybe the A350 might be able to as well.