CNN.com In-Depth Specials -- Hard Landing: Asia's airline shake-up

Major airline restructuring in Australia is poised to change the face of the industry throughout the region. A few months ago four airlines plied Australia's skies, now there is a risk only Qantas Airways, the national carrier will survive.

As passenger growth slows only Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways appear to have the financial muscle to take advantage of regional market opportunities that might arise from the troubles afflicting rivals such as Air New Zealand and Thai Airways International. As Qantas gets set to take over number two carrier -- Ansett, giving it 90 percent of a $5 billion a year domestic market, it appears economic worries are taking the front seat to regulatory hurdles.