I have just finished reading my Xmas pressie.... Stewart Wilsons book on the history of Ansett. (available from Australian Aviation) Not a bad read.
Many interesting facts bring back a lot of memories.
It could be argued that numerous events contributed to Ansett's eventual downfall but 2 things stand out in my mind:
One was the fact that under Reg the company spread the risks with ownership of 2 TV stations, 40 hotels and resorts, coach building, Diners Club, BIC,Avis , Pioneer, Light aircraft distribution etc. Under News/TNT these "non core" assets were sold at various stages- some at a fractional of the initial outlay eg Hayman Island. So when the going got tough there was no other income streams to help cover the shortfall.
The other was Air New Zealands attempt to digest a company the size of Ansett without anywhere near the required funds and then when the combined ship started to sink The New Zealand Governments refusal to allow a rescue by the cash rich Singapore Airlines.
Oh well as they say its all history now
