A DISCOUNT airline featuring an inflight pub, karaoke and dancing competitions wants to introduce services between Melbourne and the UK via India.
But a bid by Qantas to win access to India with flights from Sydney could foil the plans of new carrier Backpackers Xpress.
Backpackers Xpress wants to operate three flights a week between Melbourne and Manchester, via Bangkok and New Delhi from late this year.
It also plans two weekly services to Munich via the two Asian stopovers.
Fully flexible return fares would start from about $1600.
Backpackers Xpress spokesman Don Norton said yesterday the airline hoped to bring up to 200,000 backpackers and adventure travellers to Melbourne annually.
Mr Norton said it would also offer services to passengers relating to accommodation, tourism, mobile phones, insurance and employment in Australia.
"The concept is much broader than just an airline," he said.
Mr Norton said the airline would use Boeing 747 aircraft with the first-class section replaced by a pub.
Passengers would be issued with DVD players and would be offered entertainment including karaoke and dancing competitions.
The airline, backed by Queensland business interests, is yet to secure planes and an air operator's certificate.
Mr Norton said an application for routes was made last week to the International Air Services Commission.
But Qantas has also applied to the IASC for the India services, with plans for thrice-weekly flights between Sydney and Mumbai from September.