Again I'm not an industry inventory expert and I don't think you are either. I don't think they were expected to come in ready with a plan for this on day one. It's something that has evolved over time. Further there is a huge capacity shortage right now post Covid and airlines are struggling to get planes, spares, pilots & crew to meet demand. QF, LH , EK etcs accelerated activation of retired & semi-retired A380s clearly shows this. Where are the free ready to fly planes hanging about that AI could operate immediately?

Also there are more (6 I think) temporary EY 777s coming over the next year. So 9 planes at least.

I'm not saying AI has been perfect in their execution. How would I know! But I know these refurbs take years and years. SQ has about 10 A380s... but it took them I think almost 5 years to refit.