for those interested in stopping, Istanbul is a fabulous place to spend a few days.  A really bubbling city that borders Asia and Europe.  Plenty to do and see.  The Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself as are the Mosques and heaps of other attractions.

hear hear!!  Love this, although MEL-SIN-HEL is better than MEL-HKG-HEL.  The 350 is an excellent quiet a/c.

in fact they could serve 12 Business class meals (with drinks + tea/coffee) on a 28 minute FTI CBR-SYD in those days!!!!!

'it's a short flight from Gold Coast to Sydney, but Ansett and TAA used to serve over 100 hot meals and hot drinks on flights a lot shorter, such as Melbourne to Launceston.'in fact they could serve 12 Business class meals (with drinks + tea/coffee) on a 28 minute FTI CBR-SYD in those days!!!!!

it would certainly be a shame to see the a/c retired widely as it is a superb a/c to fly on in terms of space, noise and comfort.  Hopefully airlines will be financially and operationally capable to return the 380 in due course, but i agree, this will likely be in 2023