The final Ansett flight in March 2002 and
subsequent closing of the airline brought into focus my own mortality and
re-enforced a view that I have had for some time that nothing is forever.
Yet this airline was something special.
Perhaps the only remaining major airline that still carried the name of its
founder. During the 40 odd years of my father�s management Ansett Airlines
was respected around the world for its leading edge technology, modern fleet
of aircraft and the relationships he had with his employees. This evolved
into a mutual loyalty and was reflected in the incredible passion Ansett
employees had for their airline and its passengers.
It�s still hard to comprehend how an
Australian institution which played such a significant role in the
development of civil aviation in this country can disappear from sight and
virtually be forgotten in less than a year.
Given what has transpired with United
Airlines in the United States, it�s timely to re-look at the benefits of a
Chapter 11 form of bankruptcy, which keeps creditors at bay for up to 18
months allowing the enterprises time to restructure, become more competitive
and survive if good enough.
From what I�ve been led to believe, the
vast majority of former Ansett employees have managed to find employment
since the closure. And so they should have as they would bring talent,
discipline, and commitment to their new employers, characteristics which are
always in demand but often in short supply.
Good luck to you all.
Regards,
Bob Ansett