I liked the bit about.............'the pilots are paid much more'(QF pilots)...........that about somes it up!!! That's the one variable that can be changed, the human element,(cut to the bone) the rest of the DOC's are not negotiable!
I would have thought Pt Linc would have been one of the best routes for both operators seeing as it takes all day to drive to AD from there where a flight is less than 1 hr.
Oh well the Airline industry is a tough game & only those with the biggest stick will win!
Wmk2