Whilst the XLR is notable for it's range, a huge factor for Qantas is the increased payload it offers, helpful on the "golden triangle" in particualr but also PER, so whether a limited subfleet ends up with lieflat or not they will be deciding, and it may end up a little like the A332/333s where ...

Really disappointing given the range and capability of these aircraft for there to be such a lacklustre J seat. 

Has ET looked at the connection timings in AKL?JFK-AKL: 0500 arrivalDepartures:AKL-MEL 0610 or 0900ADL - none nonstop PER - none nonstopBNE - 615am or 330pmAKL-JFK dep 1635ex-BNE - arr 1420 (perfect)ex-MEL arr 1455 (tight if delayed but otherwise ok)I think QF has some work to do to offer "g...

Don't miss the part about pushing Virgin and other non-aligned airlines to the (current) international terminal - which puts Qantas at a huge competitive advantage (the reason it fell over in previous proposals - Virgin Mk1 successfully lobbied against it). Further travel time and higher taxi far...

Have they dropped the pre-departure drink or are you just supposed to hold the glass?Of course, the tray table for the middle seat could always be used instead.....