Err, how would anything ever get built based on this reasoning?

A very odd comment given that Qantas had ordered 65 Boeing 787 aircraft with a list price at the time of A$13 billion years in advance of delivery. 

Qantas' current website as of October 2012 states the following after the first round of order cancellations in 2009 of 15 787 aircraft.

"Qantas has selected the Boeing 787 as the cornerstone of its domestic and international fleet renewal program. Under the fleet plan, the Qantas Group has firm orders for 50 Boeing 787 aircraft. The first Dreamliner is expected to be delivered around mid 2013."

The comparison of critical airport infrastructure against a $700 phone is hard to fathom. One has to question the leadership and foresight of this company. As of recent times Qantas has lost direction and is clearly following the lead set by Virgin Australia, which is based in Brisbane, has strategic alliances and is setting the bar higher in terms of its business class offering.

Ordering 787 aircraft is actually a capital investment for QF itself, rather than funding upfront a runway which they will only get the use of, have to pay fees, besides the fact that they have no actual say in how the runway should be utilised (as opposed to the aircraft they order) and they share it with others. Different things altogether.

Must admit the phone comparison was poorly chosen as a comparison and does not make sense, I can see their hesitation in investing in Brisbane airport. Feel it is up to the airport owner (Macquarie?) or even the Queensland government to provide infrastructure (they could choose to raise fees to get funding). Especially because of the fact that no airline will ever have stakes in the aiport, hence their investment would yield no return and be seen as a loss.