OzJet boss fires salvo
Tue "Herald Sun"
OzJet boss fires salvo
John Masanauskas
29nov05
OZJET owner Paul Stoddart yesterday lashed out at the Ansett administrators on the eve of his airline's maiden flight.
Melbourne-born Mr Stoddart said administrators KordaMentha had rebuffed his bid to buy two former Ansett properties now being leased by OzJet.
"I'm sick to death of them," he said. "They are doing our head in."
Mr Stoddart said he had offered KordaMentha an above-market price for OzJet's corporate headquarters in Garden Drive, Tullamarine.
The administrators had also proved difficult in talks to buy the former Ansett maintenance base at Melbourne airport, Mr Stoddart said.
But KordaMentha partner Mark Korda denied the claims.
"We have had talks with various parties and if we did receive above-market offers, we'd be delighted," Mr Korda said.
OzJet, aimed at business flyers, was to start services today between Melbourne and Sydney.
It is offering a special launch fare of $200 one way, but a standard one way ticket will cost $325.
Mr Stoddart said bookings for the first week had passed break-even point, but he had expected more support from the public.
"I'm amazed that Qantas has cut their business fares by a third recently," he said.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said while he didn't want to put OzJet out of business, Qantas would keep up the pressure on fares.
"We will do what is legal and appropriate, and do it in a competitive way," Mr Borghetti said.
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Last edited by Wirraway; 29th Nov 2005 at 02:35.