Why does BA use the furthest gate, in T3 Heathrow for LHR-SIN-SYD flight?

Why does BA use the furthest gate, in T3 Heathrow for LHR-SIN-SYD flight?

It's a late evening flight, when there are plenty of empty gates in much more pleasant T5.

As part of the JV, Qantas and BA have to operate their flights to Australia from the same terminal. Qantas' systems are apparently not compatible with Terminal 5, and there isn't space for them there in the morning when their flights arrive. Hence they use T3. 

As for using the furthest gate: I agree that it is extremely frustrating... I don't know why it's always those gates right at the very end of the concourse (and a good 10 minutes walk from the lounges) when one often passes at least a couple of empty gates along the way. I guess that's just what their contract with BAA specifies.

Thanks! I've always wondered. In the short term, switching to a prime T3 gate, without the long walk, would make the BA service even more pleasant. Particularly upon arrival in the early morning.

If the JV weakens, perhaps BA will find space in T5. It'd certainly be a competative advantage over QF, EK etc.

I've taken to flying to Europe through HKG to avoid the T3 altogether. The connections and lounges are good and the experience going in/out of T5 is so much better, especially with a continental connection.

The only downside is a Qantas A333 on the outbound flight to HKG. It's not an overnight leg though, so it's a tradeoff that I don't mind making...