Anyone considering coming down this way should be alert to some changes in the local airline industry.

Discount domestic carrier Impulse has lost support of its backers and has been absorbed by Qantas leaving Virgin Blue as the only discount domestic airline.

On the international front Qantas may buy a 55% stake in Air NZ. If this approved (both from the Aust regulator and the NZ govt whoch will have to amend legislation because when Air NZ was privatised there was a limit of 25% on foreign airline ownership) Air NZ will have to sell Ansett. Singapore Airlines is the likely buyer.