Stick with the facts. ETOPS we can put aside because it is now...

Stick with the facts.

ETOPS we can put aside because it is now irrelevant.
The 787 came out of the factory with 330 minute ETOPS approval. It has made the need for four engine aircraft redundant. There's hardly a need for more the 180 minute ETOPS on the QF A380 routes let alone the need for 330 minutes.

The QF 787 carries 236 passengers across 3 classes vs the A380 with 484 seats across 4. It's almost a spot on 2x 787, yet the fuel burn is much less on two 78s then one 380.

QANTAS still holds slots all over Europe from years ago, the EK tie up is partly for Emirates to benefit from using some. Slot numbers are a valid argument, yet most carriers still prefer the twin aircraft - remember it's harder to fill a 380 at a particular time vs 2 78s at diffeerent ones of the day.
Let's not forget the cost to the airline for one aircraft of 484 passengers either being delayed, flight cancelled (think accommodation) or a diversion due London weather.

Anyway, my point is, it's all sun shine and roses while Alan does his best to boost the share price and keep his $24m salary but don't take your eye off the approaching old and inefficient fleet - this can't be ignored.