A long over due action but, still playing 'catch up' with competitors.
Most first rate Airlines got rid of 74-300s some 20 years ago and the 400s 10 years ago. Those with their eyes on the ball were introducing 787s 3-4 years ago. QE2 was a nice ship but, you wouldn't travel in her today.
Also think that someone's 'perspective ' is that from life inside a a bubble protected by the government dollar.
Surely QF didn't take part in any protectionism in its history, it is beyond reproach ( lol).
QF has been milking the traveling public since its inception while being protected by the government . High priced fares on beat up , old planes and second rate service at best.
If QF 'has' to make a profit then why did grounding the company and dropping something like 900 mil not ruffle any Leprechaun feathers? QF has had its time and Instead of taking care of business , the man at the helm prefers to do deals with airlines that will only make the poor QF product stick out like a sore thumb and dress pilots like Busby Berkely chorus boys while front line staff are allowed to act like the entitled few who have no idea who pay their high salaries. His only strategic action is to expand J* , to take over as QF shrinks. That's a group tactic and is actually damaging QF ( the airline), probably intentionally .You probably guessed, I don't fly QF and 787s won't change that because the price will still be high and the service second rate at best. Don't particularly like ME or Asian carriers but, the prices are better, planes newer, service level is something that QF can not even aspire to . If the total 787 purchase is 8 units, those living in the sheltered workshop may be surprised to hear that some airlines are picking up 8 or more Boeing units alone , each year.