Branson sounds warning over Qantas intervention

[SYDNEY] British tycoon Richard Branson warned - in full-page newspaper ads yesterday - against possible Australian government help for national carrier Qantas, urging business to "think twice" about investing in the country.

Mr Branson, whose Virgin Australia carrier is in direct competition with Qantas, lashed out at the conservative government in an open letter to the Australian public published in yesterday's newspapers.

Qantas has been lobbying the government to ease limits on foreign investment or provide state intervention to help shore up its bottom line as it battles record fuel costs and fierce competition from subsidised rivals.