An engine change on a A380 with an experienced crew will take around 12-14 hours. That would include post change testing as well.
The engine for OQG will only have just arrived recently in LAX. It takes some time to prepare the engine for transport as well as organising a freighter aircraft that is headed in that direction. There aren't usually spare engines sitting around ready to go either. They have to be "built up" with all the parts ready to be fitted. All of the equipment to do the engine change needs to be assembled and packed ready for transport. Hoists, stands etc.
There would also be a several inspections to be carried out on the aircraft due to an inflight engine failure / shutdown. The ATSB are also interested and require information about the goings on, all these things take time.
Expect to see it return to SYD on Friday afternoon sometime.
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Regards,
Fred
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