We Are All In This Together
It would be sad to see either Virgin or Qantas fail. But there may be a way out of this. Whilst Qantas and Virgin are not flying the suppliers of aviation fuel are also suffering. I am showing my age here but there was a period in the late 1950;s and 1960's where we had 'The two airline policy for domestic operations. QF withdrew from domestic services including PNG and Ansett and TAA took over domestic services with identical fleet types and government support. There was a period in the 1960's when Shell,who provided the bulk of aviatiion fuel, helped Reg Ansett with funds to keep the airline afloat. TAA and Ansett even had a spare parts pool (engines, etc.) Even though Ansett and TAA were in competition we respected each other and often socialised together outside work hours. If there was an aircraft breakdown passengers were transferred with ease to the other carrier to ensure they reached their destination. Why not get an Australian based aviation fuel provider interested in giving Virgin the same support that Reg Ansett was given many years ago as this may save the jobs of many dedicated staff at Virgin and the government legislate that the two airlines work together to ensure the viability of both airlines.