Press Release

Australians Reject Qantas Takeover - Survey

March 8, 2007

Australian travellers have overwhelmingly rejected the $11.1 billion takeover of Qantas, with more than 80% of those surveyed branding it a profitseeking exercise with no guarantees of better service and with the possibility of job cuts.

In the first survey on the issue, Australians were asked: Do you think the sale of Australia's iconic national airline, Qantas, to a private equity consortium would be a good idea?

More than 600 people responded to the survey conducted over the past month by leading online travel guide and directory totaltravel.com.

While more than 80% (503 respondents) rejecting the sale, less than 7% (42 respondents) supported the sale. Those who backed the sale believed it would reinvigorate the Aussie airline and help it achieve greater success in the future.

The remaining 13% (81 respondents) said the sale was not an issue that concerned them, feeling Qantas was like any other business and it was not up to them to judge who owned it.

totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher said the survey result would provide fresh ammunition for those still fighting to stop the Qantas sale despite the federal government this week approving the takeover.

"This survey makes it clear that most Australians are strongly opposed to the takeover by Airline Partners Australia private equity consortium," Mr Fisher said.

"They clearly can't see the benefits in the take-over. They don't think it will necessarily improve service and it could cost jobs."

totaltravel.com is ranked by Hitwise as one of the Top 10 travel sites in Australia. Its 3 travel directories for Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom receive more than 80,000 visitors collectively each day.

ENDS

Media enquires:
Paul Fisher
Global Marketing Manager
totaltravel.com
Phone +61 (0)2 6680-8755
Mobile 0404 057 367