Launch a Joint-Venture with a Middle-Eastern airlines such as Qatar or Emirates. There has been Gulf-airline phobia, but Gulf airlines could allow Qantas to fill the largest gap in its network, the Middle East and North Africa, at a low-risk. I know this idea might be a bit controversial...

I don't think there is any phobia per se. QF have partnered with both Gulf Air and Etihad to the Middle East in the past. I do agree a partnership with Emirates, however, may be controversial. My bet is Qatar Airways, however they only fly out of MEL so a feeder arrangement from other Aus cities to MEL by QF and onward codeshare with QR may work. I note that currently QR uses Virgin to feed pax from cities in Aus to connect with MEL flights.

Advisory Panel
Anyone had any surveys from the Qantas Advisory Panel lately?

I haven't seen anything since last August.

Maybe they've just given up

I haven't received anything either by way of survey but did get a welcome to 2011 email. I'm sure something will arrive soon as it's been a while to say the least!

CJ