So PER LHR will be the QF 9/10 and take the LHR slot off the A380 from MEL early 2018.
QF Pax from MEL able to go via PER rather than DXB(still one stop) or go on one of 3 EK A380 services daily on a QF codeshare if going to Europe.
EK will take the QF 9 slot from MEL-DXB.
Very smart from QF as they will provide a greater feed on PER-LHR as the 787 will fly from MEL-PER anyway before doing the PER-LHR sector. They can fill seats from MEL and PER to London as a one and direct stop respectively.
Got to pay credit to Alan. QF were always going to fly PER-LHR. When PER airport didn't Donate the dollars, the WA government stepped in and gave $14 million in public funds.
The Australian article also says that the MEL-LAX 787 flights will allow them to retire the 747s faster.
The A380s free from MEL-DXB-LHR can replace the 747 on Asian routes to HKG or HND in order to retire more of the 747s.