Australia Asia Airlines
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Operations terminated; aircraft absorbed back into Qantas fleet |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia, Taiwan, Philippines |
| Parent | Qantas |
Australia Asia Airlines (澳亞航空公司 Àoyà Hángkōng Gōngsī) was established as a Qantas-owned carrier to operate flights connecting Australia and Taiwan, navigating the political sensitivities and territorial disputes involving the People's Republic of China, which opposed national airlines serving Taiwan.
History
This airline was formed in response to the PRC's objection to airlines from nations maintaining diplomatic relations with China flying to Taiwan, which the PRC regards as a renegade province.
Australia Asia Airlines utilized two Boeing 747SP aircraft along with a Boeing 767 leased from Qantas. The fleet sported a distinctive livery that omitted the Australian flag and kangaroo emblem, substituting them with a stylized ribbon design. Initially assigned the IATA code IM, the airline adopted Qantas's QF code in 1994.
Operations terminated in 1996 following Qantas's transition to full privatization, which permitted direct flights to Taiwan. Subsequently, the aircraft were absorbed back into the main Qantas fleet.
Asia
- Philippines
- Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Stop-over)
- Republic of China (Taiwan)
Oceania
- Australia
- Sydney – Kingsford Smith Airport (Base)
Fleet
See also
- British Asia Airways
- Japan Asia Airways
- KLM Asia
- Swissair Asia
- Air France Asie
- Foreign relations of Taiwan § Air links