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p. 18 · Read in the full issue
As our edition went to press Suva reports indicated that the Fiji Government had, some what mysteriously, decided to delay ratification of the Qantas deal.
Concurrently, Sir Peter Abeles, chief executive of Ansett Transport Industries, and other Ansett experts, flew to Fiji by private jet with what appeared to be yet another proposal to take over Air Paci fic’s routes and services. Fiji sources said they flew on to Lakeba, in the Lau group, home of the Fiji prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who assumed direct control of Air Pacific affairs at the height of their financial crisis.
No details of the new offer were available, although one industry source suggested it was very similar to that made by Qantas, and originally accepted by the Air Pacific directors. The crucial aspect of this was that Qantas would pump $lO mil lion into insolvent, debt-ridden Air Pacific and leave it there for the 3-year duration of the agreement at the very favorable interest rate of 5 per cent.