mad_atta
Jun 2, 02, 8:15 pm
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/06/02/1022982649411.html
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Air New Zealand is exploring the possibility of starting limited domestic flights on congested east coast routes in Australia to fill the vacuum created by Ansett's collapse.
Speaking after a meeting of the Star Alliance network of international carriers, Air New Zealand chief executive Ralph Norris said the launch of a third domestic airline in Australia was one of a series of options being developed to overcome "the hole" left by Ansett's withdrawal of services and help increase feeder traffic to its partners.
"Air New Zealand has been looking at its options, particularly on the east coast of Australia, but we haven't taken any decisions as yet in this regard," Mr Norris said.
"I won't rule out anything. It is an option, but it hasn't got much traction at this point in the alliance."
On some routes, including Adelaide and Canberra, Air New Zealand's feeder traffic has dropped by 25 per cent. Other Star Alliance carriers have been experiencing healthy loads, but the lack of an Australian partner is a long-term concern.
Although Air New Zealand is still recovering from the Ansett debacle, when it cut loose its wholly owned subsidiary and needed a New Zealand Government rescue package to survive, its position has stabilised significantly - and it is now anxious to revive some missing links for Star Alliance passengers.
It could even receive limited financial support from some Star Alliance airlines to begin operations.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Cheong Choong Kong said it was clear the demise of Ansett had created "a vacuum" in network coverage.
He described as "an interesting suggestion" the possibility of Air New Zealand, in which Singapore now has only a 4 per cent stake, starting domestic services. </font>
Other media over here are quoting both Singapore Airlines and Emirates as being actively pursuing Ansett's operating licence, which the administrators have been careful to ensure remained current. Either way, there's some serious interest around, and it looks like those of us in Oz might have a domestic Star Alliance option again soon. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Watch this space!
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Air New Zealand is exploring the possibility of starting limited domestic flights on congested east coast routes in Australia to fill the vacuum created by Ansett's collapse.
Speaking after a meeting of the Star Alliance network of international carriers, Air New Zealand chief executive Ralph Norris said the launch of a third domestic airline in Australia was one of a series of options being developed to overcome "the hole" left by Ansett's withdrawal of services and help increase feeder traffic to its partners.
"Air New Zealand has been looking at its options, particularly on the east coast of Australia, but we haven't taken any decisions as yet in this regard," Mr Norris said.
"I won't rule out anything. It is an option, but it hasn't got much traction at this point in the alliance."
On some routes, including Adelaide and Canberra, Air New Zealand's feeder traffic has dropped by 25 per cent. Other Star Alliance carriers have been experiencing healthy loads, but the lack of an Australian partner is a long-term concern.
Although Air New Zealand is still recovering from the Ansett debacle, when it cut loose its wholly owned subsidiary and needed a New Zealand Government rescue package to survive, its position has stabilised significantly - and it is now anxious to revive some missing links for Star Alliance passengers.
It could even receive limited financial support from some Star Alliance airlines to begin operations.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Cheong Choong Kong said it was clear the demise of Ansett had created "a vacuum" in network coverage.
He described as "an interesting suggestion" the possibility of Air New Zealand, in which Singapore now has only a 4 per cent stake, starting domestic services. </font>
Other media over here are quoting both Singapore Airlines and Emirates as being actively pursuing Ansett's operating licence, which the administrators have been careful to ensure remained current. Either way, there's some serious interest around, and it looks like those of us in Oz might have a domestic Star Alliance option again soon. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Watch this space!