LAME, I reackon you've hit the nail on the head with respect to SQ.
Was it not Dr Cheong that said to Sir Selwyn when bidding for the other half of AN that he could pay $500m for it now or pick up the pieces in 2 years time??
Prophetic words from a wise man.
The one thing us Australians fail to realise about the Singaporeans or the Chinese for that matter is that these people think 10-20 years to the future.
We seem to live from election to election without any real long-term planning.
Look at Sydney KSA for an example of a piecemeal solution - they know in another 10 years it will be at max capacity and has any promulgated or ratified plan for a new airport been announced?
My point made.
With regard to work practices the one thing the Singaporeans will want is industrial harmony.
Yes - the majority will get their jobs back but at something like a 20-25% pay cut and increased productivity.
Yes - work contracts will be the norm and in the darkest hour of Aviation in Australia with the collapse of not only one airline but possibly 2 (Air NZ) the good Dr from Singapore may well appear to be a saviour.
Beats the sh_ite out of unemployment!
Good luck and best wishes to you all.
[ 17 September 2001: Message edited by: 1013 ]