There's a lot of of doubt about the viability for these ultra-long haul routes but they are being added consistently by airlines every year. PER-LHR has proven to be an overwhelming success. Lot's of people will continue to opt for a stop because it's cheaper or they prefer the break but Qantas...

"Virgin to launch Melbourne-Hong Kong flights to bring airline back to profitability""Virgin to axe Melbourne-Hong Kong flights to bring airline back to profitability""Virgin to launch Brisbane-Tokyo flights to bring airline back to profitability"...I'll wait for the inevitable announcement in 18...

Would love to see Qantas embrace an Airbus-oriented future fleet. Replacing 737's with the A320 family, regional jets with these A220's and eventually A380's/330s with 350's (also my hope for Project Sunrise).