Air Australia: War in Suits (episode 3) (1-Year Access)

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World War Two highjacks Australia's aviation industry, as the American military machine uses the country to springboard into the Pacific. By 1945, the huge logistics of war, leave behind a local industry that has grown with the times. The airline industry is now big business. The personalities in charge different too. No more are they the flying adventurers of yesteryear, but boardroom bigwigs with political skills for a changing future. The country adopts the famous two-airline policy combining both private and government airlines to ensure stability and service. It's the perfect breeding ground for Ansett Airlines, led by dynamic flyer and businessman, Reg Ansett. The airline becomes an aviation icon in the heyday of the two airline policy, but Ansett closes the day after September 11, 2001. Now, with cheap seats on offer, flying has become a commuter experience, signalling a bittersweet end to the love affair airline pioneers had in bringing people up into the clouds.

(2006, 55 mins) A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Vue DC. Produced with the assistance of ScreenWest, Lotterywest and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Screenwest.