THE BOSS OF failed Australian low-cost operator Compass Airlines says that he is to launch a new carrier following a successful Federal Court battle with rival Qantas over rights to terminal space at key domestic airports.
Bryan Grey says that he plans to have a new airline, Aussie Air, operational before the end of the year, using up to eight aircraft, probably Airbus A300-600s, on the same or similar high-density routes to those flown by Compass.
Grey blames his earlier failure on what he alleged was Qantas' obstructive response to previous court rulings that it provide his airline with terminal equipment. He says that Compass, the country's first post-deregulation air carrier, folded in less than a year because of Qantas' strategy, and he now plans to sue the flag carrier for about $100 million in losses. The court rejected Qantas' argument against recognition of Aussie Air as a new entrant.
Source: Flight International
