A bit of forward thinking by both governments in setting up Aust/NZ to be a joint domestic market, would make the case for Air NZ getting a private backer much more attractive in this type of scenario. Win Win for all

A good solution could be have the goverenments treat Aust/NZ as domestic and allow Air NZ to fly domestically in Aust. They could take up some of the Virgin fleet and would be a decent 2nd carrier.Think this was proposed back in the mid 90's and the then Fed Government back out at the last minute

The government could take over both, merge them then outsource the management.That should stop the argument

Why do you say that, what has been mentioned as 'expert' advise as you put it is actually what most succesful airlines do. So its not anything revolutionary, but as can be seen from their efforts they havent even been able to manage a simple task which many of the top executive on big bucks hasnt...

They could rebrand as V Australia, with the V for 'Value'. Hence minimal cost involved in repainting planes and other signage, plus no fee required to Virgin, in customers mind Virgin or V wouldnt notice any differnce.They should then consolidate the fleet to one manufacturer rather than have var...