Virgin Atlantic and Emirates
On the Grape Vine
Heard a couple of good rumors passed down from a friend of a friend, might be just that a rumor but if not could have a long standing effect on us all that’s including you guys across the ditch.
First was that Emirates just lost a few Senior Captains to Virgin Atlantic. The pitch for them was to help start up a Virgin Atlantic base ex Auckland for the A340 to go through to the States.
Second rumor was that Emirates will soon be building a hangar at Auckland Airport which seems highly excessive if an airline was only planning on flying the Tasman, therefore yes another carrier who has plans on going through to the states ex Auckland
If this is true it looks like the Tasman wont be the only market to be shot in the foot and the future of traveling abroad or around the Pacific will be controlled by foreign carriers flying foreign registered aircraft with excessively deep pockets, who's main aim has nothing to do with the traveling public within Australia or New Zealand, but who will be the first player to control the global market.
Don't you just love NZL's open skies policy and the governments excessive ideals in giving out all our Fifth Freedom rights to anyone that is willing to park in our back yard. Not bad for a tiny country of 4 million. But hey I guess it's not about jobs but really how cheap one can travel abroad!
Makes you think though, wasn't it only a matter of 6 to 7 months ago when the Air New Zealand and Qantas merger was turned down due to unfair competition and now take a look at the grim outlook ahead if the rumors run true.
All I have to say is good on ya Helen.
Last edited by tunnelvision; 19th Sep 2005 at 03:52.