Was it possibly a weather radar inop? The routing to avoid forecast storms, could answer why it was hit by lightning in the first place or maybe the result of.

I just wondering what the legal implications will be in the future regarding this sort of 'burning off' fossil fuels for pure convenience rather than dealing with the waste in an environmentally friendly method. It really is no different to pouring your waste in the local creek cause its easier than organising proper disposal. BTW it's not just QF that deal with fuel overloads like this.

How about flying empty A380's around the world to save a dollar? As long as they keep showing 'commitment' to green sustainability garbage, the aviation industry is anything but green. ask the cleaners how they recycle the thousands of tiny water bottles and mini cans used every flight, yup straight into the bin. they get in trouble for wasting time seperating them for recycling whether or not they keep the 10cent refund.

There's very few companies with a conscience out there, most of what looks like progressive or green practice is forced on them by rules, either existing or incoming. There was no better example than the Australian mining boss who was awarded for green policy in his business as it seemed proactive in addressing environmental issues within it's Australian operations. In reality they were only complying with Australian guidelines, nothing in excess of that, meanwhile in New Guinea they were dumping gold mine tailings in the ocean next to reefs and inhabited islands. When asked about this process, which was banned in Australia, the answer was, "That is a different country with different rules..." So much for proactive environmentalism, we just admit we got awarded for following the rules...

They wanted to keep away from the new Class E airspace at Ayers Rock :)