barra. .. .This is not short term - it is definitely medium to long term planning - set in motion at least 12 months ago and maybe more.. .. .This is merely the last act in SQ removing a managerial lame duck and despite the pain and loss of a previous investment, the SQ run model will no doubt pay this back and more.. .. .SQ cannot afford not to have a presence, and an efficient an profitable one to feed their international services - they would have to be the second biggest International ex Australia (possibly excepting NZ). QF has the feeder network now and SQ are having to subsidise the connecting services their ports to stay competitive.. .. .There is also currently a huge hole in the Star Alliance worldwide network they need to plug - but with something run their way. . .. .Very cleverly done too. Air New Zealand is the fall guy and the only sacrifice SQ has had to make is the 2 members on the NZ board that are now technically open to law suits from the former AN board members.. .. .If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - wise man say look carefully for duck impersonator.. .. .Best all. .. .EWL