Moving Steadily Forward
The comments placed on the Sydney Airport Bulletin Board, to date, are fairly correct.
I can say that we are also fairly well advanced in our plans and that access at airports is receiving a very high priority because the situation is plainly difficult to resolve overnight.
We are currently interviewing for the role of Chief Pilot as we develop the flight department and AOC requirements. The contigency plan is to groom several pilots for this role and we have sought expressions of interest from Air New Zealand for A320 crew training to revalidate and retrain ex-737 and 767 crews for start up and continuing requirements.
Our Engineering organisation is over 75% complete. We have dedicated teams working on major and minor ports requirements, systems of maintenance and ISO9000 series accreditations.
We are currently receiving expressions of interest from aircraft lessors for a further 28 A320 family aircraft and have an involvement of a confidential nature with AWAS on two ex Ansett A320.
There is significant progress with Sabre Corporation and we are seeking to complete timetable information by month end to establish manpower requirements for all airport ground handling.
A number of organisations and individuals have made a gesture of support of a confidential nature. However, I can confirm that Singapore Airlines is not likely to be a direct investor in this venture.
Take Care.