OPINION:
Shane Jones seems to be throwing a deliberate barb by calling Air New Zealand's board and executive a "colony of the National Party".
Newshub has learned it is an "open secret" within the airline that chief executive Christopher Luxon harbours ambitions to go into politics for the National Party.
A source close to Luxon says he may make the move sooner rather than later, and is eyeing up the 2020 election to start his political career.
- Shane Jones' Air New Zealand comments 'a step too far' - PM
- Jones wants heads to roll over Air New Zealand flight feud
The source says Luxon's political ambition is well-known within the top echelons of the national carrier.
Luxon wants to "do a John Key" and pull off a similar ascension to the leadership within a matter of years.
There is a hurdle though and that is finding a safe, available seat for Luxon to stand in.
Talk of the North Shore-based Luxon going into politics has been around for a while, dating back to replacing Murray McCully in East Coast Bays.
It seems Jones is using this talk to have a deliberate stab at Luxon.
And it is of course worth remembering, the intentions of high-profile New Zealanders who want to go into politics often do not come to pass.
An Air New Zealand spokesperson released a short statement to Newshub: "Christopher Luxon remains committed to Air New Zealand".
Lloyd Burr is a Newshub political reporter.
