I guess it is probably 'cheaper' to park a 717 on the ground than a 737.  Would be interesting to see how qantas intends to utilise the extra capacity freed up by this re-config.

"When you have Emirates on one side and Qatar on the other, you can't afford to play catch up – you have to win"  Hope Qantas can see the competition more broadly, rather than a narrow 65% line

Might this be signalling Sir Branson is considering pulling out VA

Do a MEL-PVG (Shanghai). Apart from Chinese airlines, there is no other airlines offering both direct flights, and premium services. Qantas has a daily service between SYD-PVG, so MEL-PVG seems viable to me.