Kegus maximus meridius me old mukka
I think QF is only looking at a very small number of 78-9's. Probably 10-12
I basis this on recent public comments by Tino La Spina (CFO) at the investor briefing.
The document from this briefing is a matter of public record. You can read all 152 pages of it below if you wish.
http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/...ation-2015.pdf
The bottom line is 'constrained' Capex for Qantas mainline but still relatively 'free' for the JQ offshore casinos (Japan, Vietnam, Singapore ect ect ect)
Other point from the above document is expansion through 'virtual alliances'
With 3 x B744 to be retired to avoid 'D' checks and 2 x A330 also to go, no net increase in bums on seats.
No chance of 50 airframes and definitely no expansion. I wish it wasn't so but the guys running the company hate Qantas mainline and will do anything to ensure that it stays just big enough to keep the rump of frequent flyers hooked. No more, no less.