Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
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Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
Government protects Qantas over US routes
From: By John Masanauskas
January 16, 2006 Herald Sun
THE Federal Government looks set to protect Qantas and deny access to Singapore Airlines on lucrative US routes.
The Herald Sun understands that Singapore's controversial execution of Melbourne drug trafficker Van Tuong Nguyen has been a factor in the air rights issue.
Nguyen was hanged on December 2 despite pleas by Prime Minister John Howard.
Mr Howard, a strong supporter of Qantas, is also concerned about the prospect of job losses if Singapore is given direct flights across the Pacific.
Both airlines have been lobbying the Government, with the trans-Pacific issue to be decided in a broad review of national aviation policy.
Qantas and US carrier United Airlines are the only airlines with non-stop US flights on the routes.
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Federal Cabinet is due to consider the issue next month.
Speaking in Beijing last week, Transport Minister Warren Truss hinted that Australia didn't have much room to move in negotiations.
"The countries that want access to the trans-Pacific route, particularly Singapore, don't have a lot to offer us in return, as Australia already has unlimited access to Singapore," he said.
Qantas recently said its low-cost offshoot Jetstar would eventually fly to the US, with the prospect of cheaper fares.
Virgin Blue is also keen to fly to the US and has argued that having another Australian-based carrier on the routes would be preferable to giving a foreign airline access.
Singapore Airlines spokeswoman Kate Pratley said consumers would be denied choice, flexibility and better services if US routes were not opened to more competition.
"Qantas is one of the most profitable airlines in the world yet it continues to seek protection from the Government," she said.
Loved the quote from Warren Truss - "Australia already has unlimited access to Singapore" (so why should we give them anything - we're right thanks Jack!).
Fire away Sunfish!
From: By John Masanauskas
January 16, 2006 Herald Sun
THE Federal Government looks set to protect Qantas and deny access to Singapore Airlines on lucrative US routes.
The Herald Sun understands that Singapore's controversial execution of Melbourne drug trafficker Van Tuong Nguyen has been a factor in the air rights issue.
Nguyen was hanged on December 2 despite pleas by Prime Minister John Howard.
Mr Howard, a strong supporter of Qantas, is also concerned about the prospect of job losses if Singapore is given direct flights across the Pacific.
Both airlines have been lobbying the Government, with the trans-Pacific issue to be decided in a broad review of national aviation policy.
Qantas and US carrier United Airlines are the only airlines with non-stop US flights on the routes.
Advertisement:
Federal Cabinet is due to consider the issue next month.
Speaking in Beijing last week, Transport Minister Warren Truss hinted that Australia didn't have much room to move in negotiations.
"The countries that want access to the trans-Pacific route, particularly Singapore, don't have a lot to offer us in return, as Australia already has unlimited access to Singapore," he said.
Qantas recently said its low-cost offshoot Jetstar would eventually fly to the US, with the prospect of cheaper fares.
Virgin Blue is also keen to fly to the US and has argued that having another Australian-based carrier on the routes would be preferable to giving a foreign airline access.
Singapore Airlines spokeswoman Kate Pratley said consumers would be denied choice, flexibility and better services if US routes were not opened to more competition.
"Qantas is one of the most profitable airlines in the world yet it continues to seek protection from the Government," she said.
Loved the quote from Warren Truss - "Australia already has unlimited access to Singapore" (so why should we give them anything - we're right thanks Jack!).
Fire away Sunfish!
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
I notice one Murdoch fish wrapper is of the opinion this is because Singapore hanged one our good quality drug runners.
One of the all time great beat ups from Australian journo's. How do they hope to have any credibility.
One of the all time great beat ups from Australian journo's. How do they hope to have any credibility.
Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
Good to see. Level the playing field then they (and all the other ratbag outfits dragging my way of life to the bottom) can have access...
Nunc est bibendum
Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
The only reason SQ want is is because they know it's only a decade or so before a lot of people from OZ start to overfly SIN direct for Europe and when that happens, SQ will be stuffed.
Bring on the hub busters! That should even keep Sunfish happy!
Bring on the hub busters! That should even keep Sunfish happy!
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
One might also hope that this news (if accurate) might remove some of the management argument (or threat) of the need to send QF heavy maintenance to China.
Then again, with an EBA currently in negotiation with some of the maintenance unions, that's probably unlikely.
Then again, with an EBA currently in negotiation with some of the maintenance unions, that's probably unlikely.
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
Interesting to see that my comment to Scumfish has been deleted. Seems it's okay for him to slag off at Qantas and say he couldn't care less if its employee's all lost their jobs but when someone has a go at him, the comments get censored. Could one of the Woomera's really be Sunfish??
I think you need to have a rest for a few days, you repost the offensive term, the reason the post was deleted W
I think you need to have a rest for a few days, you repost the offensive term, the reason the post was deleted W
Last edited by Woomera; 16th Jan 2006 at 06:06.
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
"The countries that want access to the trans-Pacific route.......as Australia already has unlimited access to Singapore," he said.
Does not your transport minister appreciate that the access QANTAS has could be withdrawn at the drop of a hat? (or the drop of a midnight fax, as NZ found a few years ago
Does not your transport minister appreciate that the access QANTAS has could be withdrawn at the drop of a hat? (or the drop of a midnight fax, as NZ found a few years ago
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
hopefully when this is announced qantas will finally pull its head in over this china outsourcing. or maybe we should close down qantas and make air china the national carrier. at least i will get a bowl of rice a day rather than doom and gloom
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
Look, if Qantas need government protection to survive they should get it. But what if every other Australian buisness struggling in a tough international market also applied for the armour plate of government patronage and support?
I use Apple computers etc and hold some shares and am glad that they survived by getting better,not by protection. Still if QF's chosen path works they should keep going.
I use Apple computers etc and hold some shares and am glad that they survived by getting better,not by protection. Still if QF's chosen path works they should keep going.
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
Domo,
If the government has any balls it will tell qantas to stop outsourcing it's labour overseas or it will open the skies up to S.Q.
It will never happen though. Q.F always was and always will be a protected species . Not that this is such a bad thing . The same rule should have been applied to much of Australia's manufacturing and textile industries. Not too many of them left now.
If the government has any balls it will tell qantas to stop outsourcing it's labour overseas or it will open the skies up to S.Q.
It will never happen though. Q.F always was and always will be a protected species . Not that this is such a bad thing . The same rule should have been applied to much of Australia's manufacturing and textile industries. Not too many of them left now.
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Re: Gov't protects Qantas over US routes
The Gov and QF are both waiting for each other to make a decision first.
The Gov want more competition and will open the skies if QF sends more jobs overseas, but they're waiting to see which way QF jump.
QF want protected routes to shore up profits and will send more work overseas if the Gov opens the skies but they're waiting to see which way the Gov will jump.
They're both waiting for each other to make a decision and the end result is no decision is being made. QF employees are struggle to maintain a good service with increasingly diminishing resources and an axe hanging over their head no matter how well they perform.
All management are concerned with is ripping costs out of the airline. I think they are probably really good accountants but I think they have absolutely no idea how to fly,fix or crew a plane or run an airline.
The Gov want more competition and will open the skies if QF sends more jobs overseas, but they're waiting to see which way QF jump.
QF want protected routes to shore up profits and will send more work overseas if the Gov opens the skies but they're waiting to see which way the Gov will jump.
They're both waiting for each other to make a decision and the end result is no decision is being made. QF employees are struggle to maintain a good service with increasingly diminishing resources and an axe hanging over their head no matter how well they perform.
All management are concerned with is ripping costs out of the airline. I think they are probably really good accountants but I think they have absolutely no idea how to fly,fix or crew a plane or run an airline.
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Classic Quote that
Numbskull that my friend is a succinct observation...
"I think they are probably really good accountants but I think they have absolutely no idea how to fly, fix or crew a plane or run an airline"
They certainly do not. Our "beloved" Chief Pilot spent a lot of time slinging off at some enteprising chap who used not inconsiderable talent to modify a screensaver of the CP...Then as part of the tirade berated pilots on dress standards.The all important wearing a tie to work when not in uniform ..all whilst our careers go down the toilets, maybe it's time the Cadets got their hands off the ummmm wheel
All of that in his bi-monthly "communication"..What a talent...
Not a cadet basher...just scathing of mismanagement
p.s I don't posess the computer literacy to design and install the said screensaver
"I think they are probably really good accountants but I think they have absolutely no idea how to fly, fix or crew a plane or run an airline"
They certainly do not. Our "beloved" Chief Pilot spent a lot of time slinging off at some enteprising chap who used not inconsiderable talent to modify a screensaver of the CP...Then as part of the tirade berated pilots on dress standards.The all important wearing a tie to work when not in uniform ..all whilst our careers go down the toilets, maybe it's time the Cadets got their hands off the ummmm wheel
All of that in his bi-monthly "communication"..What a talent...Not a cadet basher...just scathing of mismanagement
p.s I don't posess the computer literacy to design and install the said screensaver
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I read in the Australian back in December, I believe, that QF were going to use JQ International to fix the 'competition' problem on the SYD-US routes. Not sure if it was LAX especially.
Apparently, the argument was that with a lower cost airline doing the US as well, offering much lower airfares than either QF or UA, why would you open up the skies SYD-US? The consumer has their competition, lower fares and choice of three carriers - all whilst keeping more jobs in Oz.
Interesting plan. Be even more interesting to see what happens.
Apparently, the argument was that with a lower cost airline doing the US as well, offering much lower airfares than either QF or UA, why would you open up the skies SYD-US? The consumer has their competition, lower fares and choice of three carriers - all whilst keeping more jobs in Oz.
Interesting plan. Be even more interesting to see what happens.
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Who said SQ would come in and do lower fares? SQ will come in to take the traffic at the front of the plane - the people in the full length beds.
If SQ really wants to develop tourism to Australia, this country could offer them unlimited flights to USA from any Australian port except SYD.
If SQ really wants to develop tourism to Australia, this country could offer them unlimited flights to USA from any Australian port except SYD.
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QFinsider.
I too was amazed that the CP would spend so much self indulgent space in the supposed "newsletter' to berate some one because his ego was hurt.
But then when you read the rest of the cr*p in said newsletter what would you expect.
The "headmaster" talks to the pilots like they are schoolboys. As a grown man I treat it with the respect it deserves. Trouble is its a bit shiny for toilet paper.
I too was amazed that the CP would spend so much self indulgent space in the supposed "newsletter' to berate some one because his ego was hurt.
But then when you read the rest of the cr*p in said newsletter what would you expect.
The "headmaster" talks to the pilots like they are schoolboys. As a grown man I treat it with the respect it deserves. Trouble is its a bit shiny for toilet paper.
Last edited by king oath; 18th Jan 2006 at 07:34.
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Yep..King
If he behaves like a ******, carries on like a ******, treats his pilots as a ******, is it any wonder that many including the screen saver developer portray one as such!
If only the pages were perferated!
What a bunch of tools...
As someone said to me recently, an aircraft order(65) would have had the pilot group foaming at the mouth. It does not rate a mention,, we don't give a toss...No wonder they were short of flight crew over New Years...
Furthermore I hope my colleagues realise we will get done from the inside (you wouldn't let the J* boys and girls in) by J* AGAIN....
As the demographic of the baby boomer shifts in retirement, skills will be required in all western economies bidding up real wages...The race to the bottom will be short lived provided we CONVINCE OURSELVES of the economic reality in the next five years...
However if Dixon can continue the PR campaign to convince everyone otherwise we deserve all we get...
As I remember saying at the time, being flexible with an EBA "yes" vote just got us rogered harder. To all the wussy girl's blowses, appeasement achieves nothing.
The engineers may well say no to the EBA as did Eastern(well done)..The short haul EBA offer is crap say nooo...
Then given the likely defeat of IR reforms(by the states in the high court) and a 2007 election may just give us the scope to develop the backbone needed to stare down these bullies...
No-one who works in corporate can actually fly these aircraft, despite their executive bonus schemes and first class travel entitlements...
A bewdiful thing, an australian government challenging a company claiming to be australian yet acting in every way unaustralian...Maybe they will have to learn to manage!
See...with just a little more thought you can be just as forthright and not sound like unedumacated trailer trash
Ethereal Woomera
If he behaves like a ******, carries on like a ******, treats his pilots as a ******, is it any wonder that many including the screen saver developer portray one as such!
If only the pages were perferated!
What a bunch of tools...
As someone said to me recently, an aircraft order(65) would have had the pilot group foaming at the mouth. It does not rate a mention,, we don't give a toss...No wonder they were short of flight crew over New Years...
Furthermore I hope my colleagues realise we will get done from the inside (you wouldn't let the J* boys and girls in) by J* AGAIN....
As the demographic of the baby boomer shifts in retirement, skills will be required in all western economies bidding up real wages...The race to the bottom will be short lived provided we CONVINCE OURSELVES of the economic reality in the next five years...
However if Dixon can continue the PR campaign to convince everyone otherwise we deserve all we get...
As I remember saying at the time, being flexible with an EBA "yes" vote just got us rogered harder. To all the wussy girl's blowses, appeasement achieves nothing.
The engineers may well say no to the EBA as did Eastern(well done)..The short haul EBA offer is crap say nooo...
Then given the likely defeat of IR reforms(by the states in the high court) and a 2007 election may just give us the scope to develop the backbone needed to stare down these bullies...
No-one who works in corporate can actually fly these aircraft, despite their executive bonus schemes and first class travel entitlements...
A bewdiful thing, an australian government challenging a company claiming to be australian yet acting in every way unaustralian...Maybe they will have to learn to manage!
See...with just a little more thought you can be just as forthright and not sound like unedumacated trailer trash
Ethereal Woomera
Last edited by Woomera; 19th Jan 2006 at 04:58.
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On the B787 order, out of the 65 or so that are ordered there will only end up being 20 new aircraft or so, as they are B767 and Classic replacements. So yes it is a large order but how many of say the 20 extra aircraft will do QF flying.