Hobart-Chch service sought by An sett
Ansett Airlines, a domestic Australian carrier, has lodged a formal application with the Australian Government for permission to start a scheduled service between Hobart and Christchurch. A similar application to the New Zealand Government, which will have to be made, has not yet been received. The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr McLachlan) was not available directly for comment last evening, but through a secretary reported that he still awaited an approach from the Australian Transport Minister (Mr Peter Nixon).
In view of the Australian attitude towards the service, the approach could well be made soon. Mr McLachlan has consistently declined to be
drawn on whether such a service would be favourably regarded, even in principle.
When it was announced three months and a half ago that the Australian Federal Government and the Tasmanian State Government had agreed to establish a trial TasmaniaNew Zealand link, Mr McLachlan said that a detailed proposal would be necessary before he could indicate the New Zealand Government’s reaction. It was reported last evening that he still wanted more detail but was “keeping an open mind.” As a result of last December’s accord between Federal and State governments in Australia, New Zealand approval and the solution of some technical problems would seem to be
all that stands between the concept and reality. One of the technical problems will be the upgrading of Hobart airport, estimated to cost S3M and to which the Tasmanian Government has already said it will contribute. Another problem might be type-approval of the aircraft Ansett intends to use. Initial reaction from the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay) last evening was one of delight. “We have been very concerned in the South Island about the lack of frequency in flights between the South Island and Australia. I certainly hope that no impediment will be put in the way of this proposal, either in Australia and certainly not at this end,” he said.
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Press, 27 March 1979, Page 1
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327Hobart-Chch service sought by An sett Press, 27 March 1979, Page 1
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