I like all of the suggestions but the big killer here is costs - ie: better catering == mucho $$. More staffed positions == mucho $$. AN can't compete on costs with DJ, and barely could with QF. How can they make money trying to compete with additional costs like this.
AN already wins with e-checkin (which QF has yet to do) - I used it twice in the past few days, and bypassed lines and checkin totally (not that there were any, sadly). That is a cost saving for AN that the pax like. I love hopping up, sticking my card in and getting a BP in seconds, and you feel like you have some measure of control over the process, even if all you get left is a stinkin' middle seat (as with today!).
We know Fox/Lew AN faces a huge uphill battle, and I think we should expect that if it is going to succeed at all, it has to start more modestly. Spending huge $$$ upfront seems bad karma. Although you have the double-edged sword of marketing - if you don't spend the $$ on service, FF stuff, and telling people, they won't come.
The bottom line is that AN can't be what it once was. Personally I think a full service, 2 class airline idea is sheer folly and is doomed, but I will support them with my heart and wallet whatever happens, because Ansett is _my_ airline of choice.
We have to wait and see what happens...
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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.