Sat "Weekend Australian"
Appeal after Virgin spreads wings
Steve Creedy
29 Nov 03
Qantas has called on the British Government to let it fly between Shanghai and London in the wake of Thursday's decision to allow Virgin Atlantic to operate to Australia.
Richard Branson's international airline, 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines, won its long-running battle for access to Australia in an agreement between Hong Kong and British air officials. The agreement is still subject to European Union approval but the airline hopes to begin daily service in the European summer using an Airbus A340-600 configured to seat 50 upper class, 28 premium economy and 233 economy passengers.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said yesterday he hoped the Virgin Atlantic decision would prompt the UK Government to grant Qantas Shanghai-London rights.
Mr Dixon said Virgin Atlantic already flew the route four times a week.
"China has already given Australia the rights to fly between Shanghai and London," Mr Dixon said.
Mr Dixon also denied claims by Sir Richard that there was little competition on Australia-UK routes and that Qantas had an advantage through its links to British Airways and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific.
"At a time when Qantas is being denied an opportunity to compete with Virgin Atlantic over Shanghai, Virgin Atlantic has given the impression that there is little competition on the kangaroo route," Mr Dixon said. "In fact, the UK route is extremely competitive with around 20 airlines operating services between the United Kingdom and Australia."
Virgin Atlantic's Australian sales and marketing manager, Gia Acitelli, said the Hong Kong decision would allow the airline, which now code-shares with Malaysia Airlines, to establish itself in Australia in its own right.
Virgin Atlantic has built its reputation on premium offerings such as limousine transfers, stand up bars and beauty and massage services.
It is upgrading its premium class and replacing sleeper seats with a new flat bed.
The international airline would also work with Virgin Blue to offer "a very competitive range of air services", Ms Acitelli said.
The Virgin Atlantic announcement came as Qantas revealed that former National Australia Bank executive banker and Qantas Superannuation chairwoman Patricia Cross would join the airline's board as a non-excutive director in January to replace Trevor Kennedy.
Qantas chairwoman Margaret Jackson said she was confident Ms Cross would enhance the board with her skills and experience.
Ms Cross, who is also a director of Wesfarmers, has extensive international experience in finance and banking. Qantas shares closed down 7c at $3.33.
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