QANTAS DENIES SHELVING PLANS FOR ASIAN AIRLINE, MAY SEEK ALLIANCE WITH MAS INSTEAD

MELBOURNE, Nov 28 (Bernama) -– Qantas says reports that it will delay the

establishment of an Asian airline are speculations, but the airline does say it

needs to be flexible depending on market conditions.

Uncertain global economic climate, particularly in Europe, has prompted

Qantas'' management to consider delaying plans to establish a premium carrier in

Asia and instead seek an alliance with Malaysia Airlines (MAS), The Australian

Financial Review reported.

Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said Monday no final decision has been

made on the formation of an Asian carrier or an alliance.

"We''re keeping all of our options open. We believe a new premium airline

in Asia is important for us.

"The timing of that airline and how it works with partners are still part of

the discussions we''re having with both Singapore and Malaysia and no final

decision has been made on what we are going to do," he told ABC Radio.

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