Ansett New Zealand's new parent has signed a franchise agreement with Qantas, which will see the New Zealand regional carrier rebranded Qantas New Zealand.
The deal has been signed with Zazu Limited, the majority NZ-owned group of investors which acquired Ansett New Zealand from News Limited in late March.
When the new arrangement is launched, the group's corporate name will become Tasman Pacific Airlines, which will replace the "Ansett New Zealand" name as the holder of the air operator certificate. Qantas confirms it has no equity in the company.
Despite speculation that it would re-fleet with ex-Qantas Boeing 737-300s, the company says that no fleet changes are planned.
The fleet includes eight BAe146-300s, and six Bombardier Dash 8s. The first Qantas-branded aircraft will fly in July.
Source: Flight International
