True CamelSquadron, I agree it's not a slam dunk - more of an own goal though (couldn't resist) when every other competitor is running LH twin-engine aircraft. Somewhere all these other airlines have found the capital to invest (and replace older aircraft), it just widens the cost gap even more.
Dixon bet the house on the 787 - I get it, there was just no plan B for when it all went wrong. Somewhere in QCC there's probably an extremely good business case for the 787 in mainline colours gathering dust (if it survived the move) - there would have to be for such a huge planned expenditure.
On a side note, the 744s have their place - Jo'burg/Santiago, you can't tell me South African/LAN have a better product.. Anyway, it's all in the past now, just thought I'd run some numbers on here so that the phrase "fuel savings" that gets thrown around actually has some figures behind it.
Anyone else (Keg, blueloo et al.?) have any more examples of missed opportunities?