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Virgin Blue makes play for Pacific route
Virgin Blue chief executive and co-founder Brett Godfrey said yesterday: “We’re arguing against ceding a national asset.” Addressing the Government’s “friends of tourism” committee, headed by backbencher Bruce Baird, Godfrey made a plea for Virfgin Blue to be considered over Singapore Airlines as the next carrier to be given access to the Pacific route.
Mr Baird recently said Nguyen Tuong Van’s execution should be “taken into account” when Singapore Airlines’ application was considered. Taking up this theme, Godfrey is reported to have said – “Six months ago we wouldn’t have figured in the debate,” he said. People were divided between letting in Singapore Airlines or protecting Qantas. “Now it’s about the national interest, and can we fulfil the competitive dimension,” he said.
Virgin Blue would look to operate a two- class service on the route and argues it could force fares down through competition. Tourism Minister Fran Bailey also attended yesterdays meeting, saying her prime motivation was to get more tourists from America to Australia.
Graham Muldoon
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