Air New Zealand (ANZ) is expected to make a direct entry in to the Australian domestic market by taking a stake in the Ansett group.
Ken Cowley, chief executive of News Corporation, which jointly owns Ansett, is due to meet Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating to discuss the possible sale.
ANZ, having established a major hub in Brisbane to exploit its new fifth-freedom rights, urgently needs an Australian network. Its original plan to enter Australian domestic routes was rejected in November 1994.
Detailed talks between News and ANZ continue, apparently focusing on price.
Source: Flight International
