Australia is to get a third domestic carrier for major trunk routes, if Australian Airlines Holdings' plans come to fruition.
The company has revealed its intention to launch an airline connecting Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Chief executive Paul Orpwood says the plan is to acquire a mix of eight Boeing 737-300s and -400s, probably from leasing companies, with a start-up date of next May. He claims to have $500 million in capital from a US investment fund to undertake the venture.
Key operations staff are already appointed and pre-licence meetings have been held with Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and airport owners, he says. The new airline plans a maintenance base and headquarters in Brisbane.
Source: Flight International
