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| The Australian government has called for Qantas
Airways to be given better access to European routes just a week
after dismissing a request from the flag carrier's arch rival
Singapore Airlines to lift restrictions on its own
network(AFP） |
Australian airline Qantas is likely to join with another carrier within
five to 10 years, its boss has said.
The comments of Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon came a week after
the Australian government said the airline could merge with Singapore
Airlines.
Mr Dixon said such an idea was purely hypothetical at this stage, but
that an "association" with another airline was needed in the current
aviation climate. He added that any move would see the Qantas name remain.
Mr Dixon said he believed any future merger or association would most
likely involve two brands and duel listings.
Qantas is considering a merger due to the tough trading conditions
hitting the global airlines, caused in the main by recent sharp increases
in the price of aviation fuel.
His comments came as the Australian government continues to consider
whether to relax the current rules preventing overseas firms from taking
over Qantas.
At present, a foreign airline can only own 25% of Qantas, rising to 35%
for a group of overseas carriers.
Mr Dixon said on Sunday that Singapore Airlines would make a good
partner, but added that so would other carriers such as British Airways,
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand.
Plans for an earlier alliance between Qantas and Air New Zealand fell
through in 2003 after it was rejected by the New Zealand government.
Qantas is facing the threat of increased competition on one of its key
routes - Sydney to Los Angeles.
At present only it and American carrier United Airlines offer the
direct flight between Australia and the US, but the Canberra government is
now considering opening up the route.
Singapore Airlines has already applied to fly between Sydney and Los
Angeles, and budget carrier Virgin Blue also wants access.
(China Daily) | 
Updated: 2005-06-27 08:56
