gone fishin,
There are some things that I think that could save it... and its all about 'levelling the playing field' -- and not by giving QF a big cheque -- and creating a distinction between Domestic (which can be profitable) and International, whilst still ensuring that this country can retain aviation skillsets
It starts by applying the same rules to each airline, and making International more competitive
Domestic Airlines
- All fleets >5 of any type must be maintained in Australia, both minor and major overhauls, including painting, interior refurb etc
- Implementation of standardised and simplified industry awards, rather than the current system of company specific awards which creates this whole lowering costs game.
International Airlines
- Flag carrier status to be a combination of foreign ownership (in an entity that must have separate management and publish separate financials), majority local management and majority staff (inc any contractors)
- International carriers are free to have maintenance conducted offshore, and have offshore pilot/ FA bases (subject to above majority staff rule)
- Benchmarking of airport charges (landing/movement/terminal space etc) to an Asian airport survey
- Quicker depreciation for aircraft that are part of international fleet
- Govt support for debt funding of international fleet purchases
Net I would expect this to result in an increase in aviation employment in this country., without damaging the competitiveness of international and without costing the government too much.