Australia’s once-prominent airline, Ansett Australia, has made an unexpected return, though it won’t be flying passengers anymore. Originally operated by Air New Zealand, Ansett ceased operations in 2001 after filing for administration. At its peak, it was the second-largest airline in Australia, catering to millions and boasting a fleet of 69 planes.
The revival comes in the form of an online travel agency called The Ansett Travel Platform, powered by artificial intelligence. This innovative transformation was spearheaded by Melbourne entrepreneur Constantine Frantzekos. He seized the opportunity after discovering that the Ansett trademark was no longer protected. Frantzekos registered the trademark and developed a fleet of AI agents, integrating new technology through collaboration with TRAVLR, a notable travel commerce platform in Victoria.
Frantzekos describes The Ansett Travel Platform as potentially the nation’s first fully AI-operated travel agency. The agency aims to compete by offering lower prices on hotel bookings, flights, and holiday packages. Their website is already up and running, advertising holiday destinations including Tokyo, Athens, Las Vegas, and Bali.
Ansett’s legacy is marked by its significant impact on the Australian travel industry, with around 16,000 employees losing their jobs when it folded. Ansett Airlines had been a staple in Australian aviation since its founding in 1935 by Sir Reginald Ansett, having served an estimated 10 million passengers before its collapse.
The airline’s downfall stemmed from failed acquisitions and an inability to find buyers, despite interest from major players like Singapore Airlines and Qantas. In the early 1980s, it had been partly owned by News Corporation before Air New Zealand acquired it in a financially detrimental deal shortly before the airline’s demise.
Constantine Frantzekos has dubbed Ansett’s new venture as akin to “the Costco of travel,” hoping to revolutionise accessibility and affordability in travel services. The nostalgic revival aims to capture the essence of a once-great airline while embracing modern technology to cater to current consumer demands.