Ansett

About Ansett

Ansett Australia collapsed in September 2001. Ansett was one of the oldest airlines in the world, founded in 1936. The airline had a fleet of 330 aircraft and 16,000 employees. Air New Zealand acquired Ansett in 2000 but could not fund its losses. Ansett was placed in voluntary administration in September 2001. The September 11 attacks further reduced any chance of rescue. Ansett was liquidated in 2002. The Tesira consortium briefly considered reviving Ansett but could not secure financing. Approximately 15,000 people lost their jobs. The collapse led to the Sydney to Los Angeles route being dominated by Qantas. The Australian government provided limited assistance to stranded passengers. Ansett employees spent years pursuing unpaid entitlements through the courts.