Originally Posted by
normanton
You are aware that Jetconnect is nothing more than an overseas external employment company, which operates 100% under the Qantas AOC?
International to the USA or UK is nothing like the Jetconnect arrangements. Just look at the structure of the arrangement, with the employment of the crew domiciled in either of the two countries. Why isn't Mr Joyce using Thai labour as an example or some other 3rd world enterprise (which he could under NZ law), . There is no 'slot' ownership issues, and the city pairs are covered under a joint capacity arrangement that links back to the open Visa classes between NZ and Australia. Sorry Normanton, dig a little deeper into the actual operating agreement between Australia and NZ. Doesn't happen with PNG, or Fiji for that matter (despite QAL's share ownership). The prevailing international conventions do not permit novation. Simple as.
There are a few of us who recall Australia-Asia airlines, with a specially titled 747SP. That required some specific changes which, if I recall also required an amended ASLA to be allocated between the countries.
If you need confirmation that it cannot be done, read the trans-pacific air services licencing agreements. And ask LHR if they will be happy to have the slots gifted / granted to another operator.