Virgin Blue is tackling Qantas for the multi-million dollar rights to the title of the AFL's official carrier.
Virgin has made a powerful pitch to the AFL to break what has been seen as the Qantas stranglehold on the rights, believed to be worth up to AU$5 million a year.
Qantas, whose agreement expires this year, is keen to extend an association that started in 2002 after the collapse of Ansett Australia.
Neither airline would comment on November 9, while the AFL declined to discuss the matter.
AFL spokesman Brian Walsh said only: "We don't provide running commentary on discussions with any of our commercial partners."
Qantas provides thousands of seats a year to AFL clubs at a heavily discounted price for travelling parties of up to 45 players, staff and officials.
Then there's the thousands of other seats for AFL officials and staff, and club coterie and supporter groups.
Virgin Blue is believed to see the AFL brand as a major marketing tool while Qantas is equally keen to retain the bragging rights that come with a commercial partnership with Australia's biggest sport.
While Virgin is believed to have trumped Qantas in financial terms, Qantas has scheduling advantages, particularly in terms of flights to and from Perth.
A decision is expected before Christmas.
Virgin has made a powerful pitch to the AFL to break what has been seen as the Qantas stranglehold on the rights, believed to be worth up to AU$5 million a year.
Qantas, whose agreement expires this year, is keen to extend an association that started in 2002 after the collapse of Ansett Australia.
Neither airline would comment on November 9, while the AFL declined to discuss the matter.
AFL spokesman Brian Walsh said only: "We don't provide running commentary on discussions with any of our commercial partners."
Qantas provides thousands of seats a year to AFL clubs at a heavily discounted price for travelling parties of up to 45 players, staff and officials.
Then there's the thousands of other seats for AFL officials and staff, and club coterie and supporter groups.
Virgin Blue is believed to see the AFL brand as a major marketing tool while Qantas is equally keen to retain the bragging rights that come with a commercial partnership with Australia's biggest sport.
While Virgin is believed to have trumped Qantas in financial terms, Qantas has scheduling advantages, particularly in terms of flights to and from Perth.
A decision is expected before Christmas.
