Critics to run the measure over league's new airline deal
Jon Pierik
February 9, 2011
THE AFL's contentious decision to switch official airlines faces its first major test this weekend when Hawthorn heads to Perth for the opening round of the NAB Cup.
The Hawks face West Coast and Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, and will fly with Virgin Blue on Saturday after Qantas was axed late last year.
The $6 million deal has sparked concern among players as Virgin Blue planes reportedly do not have as much leg room as Qantas, making it more difficult to ice sore limbs, while the airline does not have business class. Qantas would regularly upgrade players, particularly those with bigger bodies.
Virgin Blue has guaranteed the Hawks the use of all 12 exit-row seats.
The AFL Players' Association is awaiting a response from the AFL over its list of demands for improved in-flight conditions.
The Hawks approached the AFL about contributing towards a charter flight because of concerns about leg room and the inability to return to Melbourne on Sunday night any earlier than on an 11pm flight from Perth.
Hopes of a charter flight have been dashed, so too any hope of returning immediately after the club's back-to-back matches. The Hawks will now spend the night in Perth and won't arrive in Melbourne until Monday evening.
Hawks president Jeff Kennett has been a critic of the new deal, last month branding the AFL ''bloody arrogant''.
''They [AFL] actually said they consulted a number of clubs. One president rung me up and said their name had been used and they weren't consulted,'' Kennett said.
''If they've made it for commercial reasons they really haven't taken into account the duty of care.''
West Coast and Fremantle - the clubs with the most gruelling travel programs - fear ruckmen Dean Cox, Nic Naitanui and Aaron Sandilands will have to stand on flights because of a lack of leg room.
Virgin Blue says it has been working with the AFL and clubs to ensure they feel ''very welcome'' on flights. A spokesman said the airline had been the official carrier of the National Basketball League for seven years and had not received any complaints.
Last Modified on 09/02/2011 09:59