Qantas Chief Executive-designate, Geoff Dixon, today announced the airline would extend the period of its offer for Hazelton Airlines Limited until 24 January 2001, unless further extended.

“The extension will allow us to meet with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to discuss concerns they have about the proposed acquisition,” Mr Dixon said.

“Qantas would still like to proceed with the acquisition of Hazelton and we feel talks with the ACCC will enable both parties to determine whether an acceptable structure can be agreed.

“Hazelton shareholders should note that both the Qantas and Ansett offers remain conditional,” he said.

“Qantas continues to recommend that Hazelton shareholders do not accept either offer until they receive further communication from Qantas.

“Over its 80-year history, Qantas has maintained a strong commitment to providing air services to regional Australia through its four subsidiaries Airlink, Eastern Australia Airlines, Southern Australia Airlines and Sunstate Airlines,” Mr Dixon added.

——-