These routes *have* to be a cash cow for United.

The fares are often 2-3x those to SE-Asia (about the same distance depending on where - take BKK for example...)

Admittedly I only really fly this route during peak periods, but I can't remember the last time they weren't asking for voluntary bumps.

To me, I can't see how each and every one of those planes isn't making an absolute fortune!

SQ has a burning desire to get into the market with direct flights on these routes - something which I'm reasonably confident they wouldn't do if it wasn't such a good money maker. The only reason they aren't is because of Qantas' lobbying of the Australian Government.