Bit confused by this one, the article seems quite specific that this is already happens? (Have I been sleeping hard?!?)..
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599...-29277,00.html
The Government last year rejected a proposal to allow Singapore Airlines to join Qantas and American-based United Airlines on the trans-Pacific route, despite appeals from Singapore for it to reconsider.
Instead, Singapore Airlines flies onto New Zealand where Air New Zealand is a fellow member of the Star Alliance air carrier network.
Speaking after the alliance's annual board meeting yesterday, Air New Zealand chief operating officer Rob Fyfe said the Australian authorities' stand led to Singapore Airlines facing higher costs than would be the case if fifth freedom rights were granted from Australian airports.
"They (Singapore Airlines) choose to fly from New Zealand through to the United States not because that's the obvious route to do but because it becomes the default route," Mr Fyfe said.
"Actually, the economies of that don't look very smart because they'll fly to Australia, hop to New Zealand, go to the United States.
Instead, Singapore Airlines flies onto New Zealand where Air New Zealand is a fellow member of the Star Alliance air carrier network.
Speaking after the alliance's annual board meeting yesterday, Air New Zealand chief operating officer Rob Fyfe said the Australian authorities' stand led to Singapore Airlines facing higher costs than would be the case if fifth freedom rights were granted from Australian airports.
"They (Singapore Airlines) choose to fly from New Zealand through to the United States not because that's the obvious route to do but because it becomes the default route," Mr Fyfe said.
"Actually, the economies of that don't look very smart because they'll fly to Australia, hop to New Zealand, go to the United States.
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