Possible QF/NZ merger/alliance back on the cards?

[openseat]

Although there seems to be no hard evidence for this, the speculation has begun again. The world is a very different place since the last attempt in 2006, so competition watchdogs may be kept on the leash this time.
Given NZ's deteriorating financial position and QF's plans for increased trans-tasman services as well as transferring domestic to all JQ, the pressure must be causing some headaches.



From Business Spectator

 

[comint]

…transferring domestic to all JQ, the pressure must be causing some headaches.

I would have thought that Air NZ would have been cheering the departure of QF domestic. One would think that they stand to pick up a reasonable sized chunk of Qantas corporate customers, who won’t transfer to Jetstar.

Unless... Jetstar plans even more strategic brand change? Dunno but, maybe running its own NZ domestic lounge network, QFF status earn on all fares, QFF status "recognition" during service delivery (e.g. priority baggage, priority check-in), QF codeshare customers getting an additional level of onboard service (maybe a BOB credit, or extra leg room cabin section), obviously they have already announced interlining and “seamless” connections.

But Qantas has definitely decided it has a better chance of improving its NZ profits, by a knock out blow to DJ rather than NZ the “proper service” airline. (Which are now visual advertising “cheap skates” in middle seats, where ever that is going to lead?)

I think Tiger would have also factored into the equation, I assume it is unlikely that they will now enter the NZ domestic market. I also imagine it won't take long for JetstarNZ to start international services into the Pacific from its base(s).

 

[pauly7]

I think that the regulators are pretty short sighted, they need to think more globally. Clearly the trend is towards consolidation and a QF/NZ merger makes perfect sense, how on earth are they both supposed to compete with the mega carriers if they keep on being blocked....