OzJet suspends services
AM - Monday, 13 March , 2006 08:08:00
Reporter: Karen Barlow
TONY EASTLEY: When it took off four months ago, the budget airline, OzJet was trying to muscle in on a notoriously tough aviation market.
Within weeks the airline was losing millions of dollars on its budget business class flights between Sydney and Melbourne.
With no turnaround in sight, OzJet is now suspending its services and putting off around 60 of its workers.
Ticket holders are being promised a refund or a transfer to Qantas.
OzJet's Chairman, former Minardi Formula One boss, Paul Stoddart, says OzJet will now concentrate on charter work.
He's speaking here with AM's Karen Barlow.
PAUL STODDART: It's very sad, very sad for our staff who have put in so much effort, and for the loyal passengers that were travelling with us, but sadly there wasn't enough of them.
KAREN BARLOW: Why have you come to this decision?
PAUL STODDART: Um, we've given it four months and we said we'd give it six months. Clearly we can see the forward bookings and the trend that traditionally comes after the Australia Day holiday when business goes back to work just hasn't happened for us.
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