The economics of QF Sydney-London direct.

[Garfly]

 

 

 

[facthunter]

They wouldn't be doing it without a lot of Cost analysis. The newer Airbus makes it Possible. .  You eliminate Landing charges and elapsed time  turn around costs and climb fuel but have to carry greater amounts of fuel early on the flight, limiting pax and Payload but having more space in the Cabin for extra comfort.  On the return Leg, diversion airports in Australia are more limiting than Europe. It's also easier on the airframe. Less time in the More Turbulent Lower levels and reduced gear, Brakes and flap work and one engine start  at least eliminated.  Fuel is cheapest in the ME, giving Airlines Operating out of there a constant advantage.  Airlines Operate on slim Margins and high Cash flows. This means operating below capacity is risky. That's called a Load factor.. On any Route there will be a Cost Per seat Km, figure, I recall a figure I dug up some years ago was 38Cents AUD. That's on a shorter Internal Leg like Syd-Mel and allow for Inflation. Nev