QF exec overheard to say that the 787-9 PER-LHR route is very very tight and they are anticipating that enough of these flights will need a fuel stop that it makes the whole thing a little doubtful.
There is also negative market reaction regarding MEL passengers and this route, having to fly via PER and then sit in a "narrow" wide body for 18+ hours.
The original QF afternoon A380 MEL-SIN-LHR was perfect.
Is this really progress ?