Looks as though CX are going to bring the A350 onto the HKG- AKL route first.

Looks as though CX are going to bring the A350 onto the HKG- AKL route first... was booking CX197 yesterday and one of the friday night flights showed the a/c as a '359'.

That's an interesting move as CX revenue share this route with Air NZ - have done since 2012. From all accounts the arrangement works very well despite the clash of the global alliances. 

Despite the big three alliance system there are many outside alliance deals when it meets the needs, e.g. China Eastern (SkyTeam) and Qantas (OneWorld). For SkyTeam airlines there is no  Australia member for intra-Australia flights to codeshare on, so some Star Alliance, SkyTeam airlines use Qantas, Virgin, JetStar.

Looks like the A350 service will begin in May. 

This will give me the chance to fly the 350, never had that opportunity, ADL - HKG (CX) - AKL (CX) - ADL (QF).

Thanks for the tip, will that in mind for my next SC run.

Am booking for July/August and flight outbound and return flights are still showing as A340-300. Hoping this may soon be changed.