Thanks OneTrack, I had not seen this previously but would be logical. I have been retired for a few years but unless SOPs re fuel had changed dramatically, 3 hour excess did not make sense - simply not economical.
If these reports are to be believed we have had the jet flying at varying altitudes up to FL450.
This would dramatically increase fuel consumption, so the 8 hour flight time seems exaggerated ........unless the last ping was received after fuel was exhausted, wherever that may be.