Creditors of the Australian regional carrier Ansett cleared its sale to the Tesna syndicate on 29 January - but delays in settling terminal leases have prevented Tesna announcing a start-up date. It has 30 days from the day of approval to do so.
If the sale is not completed in time, according to Andersen, the airline's administrators, Ansett's assets would be liquidated, so opening the door for Tesna's rival, the Lang Corporation, to scoop up prime assets.
The purchase, given creditor approval, does not include Ansett International or a large number of ancillary corporations including internal and external airline services, regional airlines and cargo and freight-forwarding facilities.
Sydney and Melbourne airports, both of which incurred big losses following Ansett's collapse, are seeking a full examinationof the Tesna business plan, as well as demanding the syndicate make terminal space available for other airlines including rival Virgin Blue.
Tesna has still to name its full management team, and has not yet outlined its fleet plans, but is thought to be considering a reduced operation using Ansett's Airbus A320 fleet.
Source: Flight International
