BackpackersXpress
BackpackersXpress was a proposed airline to have been based in Melbourne, Australia. It was established in 2003 and sought to start a long-haul, low-fares operation using two dry-leased Boeing 747-400 aircraft. Proposed destinations included Delhi, Bangkok, Munich and Manchester. The company shut down in 2005 before conducting any flights. History In June 2003, BackpackersXpress sought A $80 million with the goal to begin operations in November 2003. However, investors were reluctant to provide funding due to concerns over the impact on the aviation industry of the Iraq War and Severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic. The project proponents told the Australian Financial Review in December that year that they had been able to demonstrate that the market for backpacker tourism was less affected by these events, and that they intended to apply for an air operator's certificate in January 2004. BackpackersXpress hoped to attract backpackers by offering relatively low fares, fitting the Boeing 747s with a pub, and providing live entertainment to passengers. The aircrew would encourage passengers to socialise, and Indigenous Australians would provide information on their culture. It was also planned to conduct karaoke and dance competitions during the flights. The Boeing 747s were to be fitted with 473