Maybe vanity in beating EK to the punch and the longest route but more about the network value of making profit on the second segment from their strong hub and blocking their competitor's market share. It is noticeable that the second segments to Europe have higher demand, higher fares per nm and greater yield. I suggest the fuel price will need to climb significantly higher before the route could be curtailed and EK would be the first to leave with their 388s being 15 % less fuel economic, leaving QR to the route alone.
I have been watching the C fares since Feb when I booked August to VIE and QR hasn't changed and is 30 % cheaper than EK. Y is looking pretty full and in comparison EK449 is looking very light in Y.
Last edited by wairakei15; Jul 2, 2018 at 1:21 pm