ANSETT AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARY WITH STAR ALLIANCE

Hong Kong, April 11th, 2000----- Ansett Australia recently celebrated its first anniversary of full membership of the Star Alliance network.

Since entering Star Alliance along with Air New Zealand on March 28th 1999, Ansett's revenue from current Star Alliance partners has increased by 27%.

The membership has enabled Ansett to offer customers the benefits of a seamless global network plus worldwide status and privileges. Ansett has also benefited from Star Alliance member airlines recommending Ansett services to their customers.

The Star Alliance network continues to expand with Singapore Airlines joining the network on the 7th of April, becoming the 11th member of the global airline partnership, which was created in 1997. The addition of Singapore Airlines means more flexibility and increased destinations for Ansett Australia customers, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

Star Alliance members include: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Ansett Australia, Australian Airlines Group (which comprises Austrian Airlines, Lauda Air and Tyrolean Airways), Lufthansa German Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System - SAS, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines.

Seven of the current members of Star Alliance operate flights to Hong Kong. By the end of 2000, the Star Alliance partners will fly to over 800 destinations in more than 130 countries, and offer more than 500 airport lounges worldwide.

Ansett Australia has been serving Asia since 1993. The airline currently operates flights between Australia and four international destinations: Bali, Fiji, Hong Kong, and Osaka. Ansett Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ansett Holdings Limited which is equally owned by Air New Zealand and News Corporation Ltd.