Backpackers Xpress?

There was a tiny article about this proposed airline in the new issue of Airliner World but I done a search on Yahoo and found out more information.

Source : http://www.waywardbus.com.au/xpress.html

British backpackers coming to Australia are soon to get their own dedicated charter airline, Backpackers Xpress, featuring one-class jumbo jets with engines painted as beer cans and giant ‘smiley’ faces on the nose cone and tail.

First class will be gutted and turned into a bar. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, backpackers will be treated to party pies, pizza, a range of beers, personal DVDs with over 300 titles, karaoke and dance competitions, surf ‘n sun safety, talks on Australian wildlife with flight attendants who will stir up the fun, including young Aboriginal people who will give an introduction to indigenous culture. It was not said whether the talks will be given before the beer. BackpackersXpress return fares would start from AUD$1290 (about £500) with a projected 139,000 backpackers flying in the first 12 months. Neighbours star Ryan Moloney (who?) is lined up to be the promotional face of Backpackers Xpress.

Two Jumbos! The Ausaviation website reports the two 747 – 400 jets might be coming from Singapore Airlines while the people behind Backpackers Xpress include Australian Glenn Millen, ex Qantas captain Gordon Layton and ex Sunstate Airlines founder Bevan Whittaker. Stopovers will include Delhi and Bangkok. The site also speculates on a link between BackpackersXpress and Qantas’ new budget domestic start-up, Jetstar.

Click here to go to the http://www.backpackersxpress.com website

On the actual airline website there is basic information but a few pitcures including the Boeing 747 – 400 with a smily face on the nose cone and tail fin complete with Fosters engine cowlings.

Airliner World reported the route as Manchester to Melbourne.

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Could this really work? Manchester to Melbourne via Delhi and Bangkok for £500 return? Aircraft with bars and karaoke/dance competitions? It does sound like a really cool idea but I wonder if the idea will really take off. It would be nice to see something like this from London too (LGW/STN). Or is this just another “SkyBus” type airline?

Any thoughts on this?

Regards
dan777