WITW: Sorry, I wasn't challenging SYD's pre-eminence in Australian aviation but as a "hub" in the sense of the opportunity or necessity to connect to get to other cities. Latest figures are 2010 35m, MEL at 28m and BNE 19m - I suspect it would have been far more Sydney-centric esp in international traffic terms a decade or so ago. It would sure have helped QF if the First Fleet had chosen DRW!
Re Air NZ. I agree though not quite so rosy according to CNBC interview on 6th Oct:
"National carrier Air New Zealand is undergoing a major review of its long-haul flights. Though it posted a net profit of NZ$81 million ($62 million) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, its international network has been under pressure, losing a million dollars a week." However just contrast Rob Fyfe's positive attitude to taking staff through change with the confrontational QF bulldozer...and I'm sure it does help to have chosen 777s!
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