Paul Phelan/CAIRNS
An objection by New Zealand pilot Peter Wakeman to Australia's competition authorities was the only remaining obstacle last week to the implementation of the planned commercial alliance between Air New Zealand, Ansett and Singapore Airlines (SIA).
The Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC)released a final authorisation on 22 July, but Wakeman, the only dissident among 24 submissions, lodged an "interested party" objection on the eve of the closing date for appeals. New Zealand's transport minister has already waived through approval.
Several years ago Wakeman, a former pilot with SIA subsidiary SilkAir, had attempted unsuccessfully to establish a New Zealand-based airline. Industry sources report that he is still attempting to establish an airline, but Wakeman has been unable to prove adequate financial backing or the support of existing operators.
His submission calls the alliance "a de facto merger", claiming that Ansett Australia could be absorbed by SIA and that the alliance will result in rationalisation of services without any incentive to pass on cost savings to customers.
Ansett has yet to determine the "exact legal tactics" to fight the objection, but could challenge Wakeman on the grounds that he is a New Zealand citizen presenting to an Australian tribunal. It may also be able to seek an interim approval pending a full hearing.
Wakeman's actions threaten to have an impact on a planned announcement by Ansett of an extensive co-operation package with SIA, including Asian codeshare services beyond Singapore.
As the co-operation grows, SIA is also expected take an equity stake in Ansett Australia next year.
Meanwhile, Ansett may swap a Boeing 747-300 leased from SIA for smaller, more economical 777s from the carrier, to operate on routes to Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Taipei.
Source: Flight International
