National carriers such as QF, BA, SQ and EK are less vulnerable to the ebb and flow of the market place than most airlines because of the (often perceived) strategic economic and political value they provide the host country. Qantas enjoyed Government protection from the forces of the free market (if ever there was such a beast) for most of its life and stands as a powerful force now directly as a result.
There is now and never was a "level playing field" in the airline industry, something for which the employees of Qantas should be very thankful.
404,
"They work to a different set of rules than Australia and there intentions are not honorable."
Are you implying that the Australian Government works to an honorable "set of rules"?
"One country openly encourages full and free trade"
Oh really. Tariffs, trade barriers, quotas, import tax. They don't exist in Australia do they?
Crusty
"Great. Less flying for Australian pilots and more for foreign nationals."
"what does it do to our economy as a whole when potentially thousands of jobs"
3 bars
"No problem, more Australian workers join the scrap heap"
Singapore Airlines entry into the US - AUS market will eventually happen. It may take a couple of years and a few failed diplomatic standoffs but it is a fait de compli.
This may result in Qantas requiring fewer employees but the industry is relatively small - the political impact of such a policy shift would not harm Howard nor would the economy suffer.