Originally Posted by
eternaltransit
Better a 77L on ground than an A380 though!
However, subject to competition clearance, an AKL-east AU fits in with the 10hrs.
Unlikely they'd get that permission unless trans-Tasman loads are higher imho.
I think EK has the right to fly trans-Tasman, although may need approval if they want to add it to their alliance with Qantas (e.g. codeshare and matching fares).
However I don't think the 10h20m stop at AKL is quite long enough for an AKL-SYD-AKL by the same aircraft without a high risk of delays, and SYD is the shortest route. Allow 3h30m for AKL-SYD and 3h00m for SYD-AKL (best case timings, may need to allow more for congestion at both AKL & SYD). That gives less than 4 hours for 3 turns (1 at SYD and 2 at AKL) which may just be feasible but is certainly risky.
Trans-Tasman loads on EK are generally very high. EK are very good at selling nearly every seat through reputation and frequent sales.