Foreign carriers to vacate Australian domestic market

Airline Industry Information, Dec 21, 2001

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Australian government has decided to stop allowing foreign carriers to serve the domestic market.

Following the 11 September terrorist attacks on the USA and the collapse of Australian carrier Ansett, that Australian government allowed 16 foreign airlines to transport domestic passengers. The policy was set to expire on 31 December and the government has now decided that this deadline will not be extended, according to The Associated Press.

Transport Minister John Anderson said in a statement that the extension would not be granted because Australian carriers Qantas Airways and Virgin Blue have increased the number of aircraft they are operating, while Ansett is expected to resume services at the end of January 2002 under new owners.

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