But can't do any international ops without government approval. Same as Hong Kong.
Correct, being that HKG doesn't have a domestic market. There is nothing stopping CX starting up their own domestic feeder network inside Australia calling it 'Cathay Australia' or something.
The traveling public/tourism industry shouldn't have to suffer because the current Aus based incumbent hasn't the ability to use their current slots, let alone an increase in bilateral flights.
So why can't VA fill those slots ? Why single out Qantas ? Australian passengers have more then 1 option to go west or north and its not an open skies policy. CX have the basic monopoly out of Australia for those who want to go to via HKG to anywhere they fly, isn't that enough ? Not that I tend to agree with joyce and co but really whats the point of fighting over scraps on the over saturated Australia-Europe market when their current policy is to not replace retired aircraft with anything at all.
Besides
AVAILABLE CAPACITY:
Passenger services between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and Hong Kong*
45 frequencies per week
Isn't that enough ?