The success, or otherwise, assuming they get up and running, will be determined by one factor only - if there is even a hint of Indonesian pilots being involved in any way in the operations/management etc of the "Australian" part of the operation then commercially they have kicked an own goal, QF/
VB/porn and pussy won't even have to say anything, a raised eyebrow will be enough to send a current affair/today tonight etc off to do the story of the Indonesian aviation scene (doesn't have to be Lion specific) - and as we all know there really is quite a story.
IF the Oz operation is crewed and managed locally, IF the weaknesses within Indonesian aviation are acknowledged, IF it is pointed out and reinforced and proven (as required) that the Oz operation is indeed totally separate from Lion Indonesia, IF the Australian aviation safety record and the use of local pilots/management/new aircraft is successfully highlighted and emphasised to the market - then maybe there's half a chance comercially.
Suppose we'll have to wait and see whether Lion Oz have similar views.
Of course just IMHO - and WTF would I know!
