...sorry but have to agree with hoodoo here. Very disappointed with Australian Airlines.
Same fares as say Qantas or Cathay to Hong Kong but WAY WAY less service. No variety of meals, no newspapers, crap IFE and poor customer support by parent airline QF.
Why would such a business model succeed?
Consumers aren't all stupid.
Geoff Dixon's little plans may go over well with some lickspittle journalists but the people who determine the fate of these little accountant-pleasing projects (the travelling public) won't put up with this indefinitely.
If they were paying way less it would be another story but travellers such as ourselves who have had one experience will ensure Australian is our last choice in future, if we have to pay the same fares as competitors. Don't believe me: Check the Cathay CNS-HKG-CNS return fares and compare this with Australian. Then compare the difference in quality of product. Cathay have better aircraft, way better IFE, better meals, better F/A to passenger numbers, and better support before and after the journey. No competition.
Otherwise the Australian colours are fine (who really cares about that anyway)and the staff generally eager to please (usually the case), it's the product which is atrocious.