QANTAS STATEMENT ON RECEIVERSHIP OF TASMAN PACIFIC AIRLINES AUCKLAND

Qantas Airways announced today that it was working to help Tasman Pacific Airlines customers make alternative travel arrangements following the announcement that Tasman Pacific Airlines, the company that operates the Qantas New Zealand franchise, had been placed into receivership.

Mr Peter Collins, Qantas Regional General Manager New Zealand and Pacific Islands, said: "Qantas regrets the inconvenience to passengers caused by Tasman Pacific Airlines being placed into receivership. "Qantas has no ownership or equity interest in Tasman Pacific Airlines - it is a franchise relationship we entered into last year - however we are endeavouring to assist passengers find alternative travel arrangements.

"We are working with Air New Zealand and Origin Pacific to accommodate as many passengers as possible.

"If necessary, we will examine the possibility of bringing planes across from Australia to provide an interim service. Due to our current commitments, however, we are unlikely to be able to provide planes from Australia before next Tuesday."

Qantas has also provided a toll free telephone number - 0800 726 827 - for ticket holders.

Due to the receivership of Tasman Pacific Airlines, Qantas has exercised its right to terminate the franchise agreement with Tasman Pacific Airlines and Zazu Limited.