Reg Ansett - Postwar Expansion 1946-1956

Postwar Expansion 1946-1956

Faced with being caught in the middle of a titanic struggle between Australian National Airlines and the new government owned airline, Ansett offered to sell Ansett Airways to the Commonwealth government as a going concern. Although the idea had some attraction to the Chifley government, nothing came of the proposed deal. Ansett decided to continue his airline business while building up the Ansett Motors side.

As he gradually obtained new routes out of Melbourne, Ansett made the decision to position Ansett Airways as a low cost competitor offering no-frills flights between the major capitals. He cut the standard fare being offered by ANA and Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) by 20 per cent. Douglas DC-3 aircraft normally seated 21 passengers, three abreast. Ansett installed narrower seats to create a four abreast 28 passenger layout. There was little in the way of catering or other amenities. The strategy was a success, although TAA quickly adopted the lower price he was offering. ANA ignored him and suffered for it. TAA, realizing there was money to be made from it, equipped a number of its aircraft with Tourist Class seating.

Both the coachline and road freight businesses were highly successful businesses and by 1962, Pioneer Coaches was running 245 buses throughout the country. In 1956, Ansett established an airfreight business using Carvair nose-loading aircraft.

Ansett was the first Australian airline to move into the package holiday business. In 1947, Ansett started offering services to resorts on the Great Barrier Reef using Catalina flying boats. These services established the Great Barrier Reef as a destination for tourists.