podbreak
(to all I am speaking generally, if there is something I say that is wrong I am more than happy to be corrected):
Maybe I should clarify my outlook - there is no longer any Qantas but there is the "Qantas GROUP", GD's made sure of that.
GD gets on the telly and states "its a tough environment out there, unfortunately QF can no longer absorb losses on the xxx-xxx route but I am HAPPY to announce we will continue to serve our loyal customers from within the QANTAS group and our travellers can look forward to benefits such as ..... etc"
Question: as I understand it there are the following "airlines" within the Qantas "group" who have some level/type of AOC's-
Qantas, Jetstar, Jitkinnekt, Australian Airlines, Jetstar Asia.
Major jet contractor - NatJet.
What/who have I forgotten??
Assuming creative accounting will always prove whatever GD needs to prove, further assuming that any start-up costs/assistance will be creatively "hidden", is there any operational reason why:
Jitkinnekt could not operate 767 or 787 aircraft on "behalf of the QANTAS group";
Jetstar Asia could not operate the A330/ A380 on "behalf of the QANTAS group";
NatJets could not operate 767's on "marginal routes" on "behalf of the QANTAS group" (at least domestically, maybe international) ???????
The combinations are endless but I trust you get my drift.
GD has set up a chessboard and much as I have no time for him as he pockets obscene remuneration by destroying individuals lives and any Spirit of Australia that might have existed he has set the board and he has options.
Should the good people of Australia ever question "what's happened to Qantas?" he will simply spend another $20 million, whatever it takes, to have the choir yodelling over the Swiss Alps "I still call Australia home"
(have they done that already?) or frolicking with the penguins in ANtartica whilst chattering the same through frozen teeth (pretty sure they haven't done THAT yet!) and all will be well!
Style over substance, image over reality.
Yes there will be recruitment in the Qantas GROUP.
Yes there are new aircraft/new types inbound to the Qantas GROUP.
The placement of the equipment will determine the avenues for recruitment - and the avenues will determine the T&C's.
Hence my lament of: Vale Qantas (the one you could have pride in.)
Apologies for the length and best to all.