NEWS CORPORATION and TNT have set up a new holding-company structure for the Ansett group, opening the way for fresh investment, possibly by a new partner. Talks are still in progress with Air New Zealand over its ambitions to take a stake, although issues of price and control remain to be resolved.
Under the new structure, the Ansett airline operations will now come under the ownership of Ansett Holdings. The aircraft leasing operation, Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services, has been separated out, however.
Meanwhile, Ansett Australia has launched a five-year strategic plan, calling for greater focus on business traffic. A fleet-renewal plan is also due to be drawn up by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
