The Australian also said the discussion paper, which
outlines government thinking ahead of a policy paper to be released
next year, will reiterate the government's opposition to granting
third-party access to routes between Australia and the United
States, one of the world's most protected airlinks.
Singapore Airlines, the world's largest by market value, has
been pushing for access to the route as it seeks new markets to
help offset competition from low-cost carriers in Asia.
It estimates opening the Pacific route to more competition
could increase the number of travelers between the United States
and Australia by up to 8 percent.
A 2006 report for Singapore Airlines said Qantas charged 38
percent more for flights from Sydney to Los Angeles than on the
competitive route from Sydney to London.
Article
New government still shuts SQ out. 