Following widespread speculation about who Virgin Australia’s next chief might be, the airline has officially announced the promotion of Dave Emerson to Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Jayne Hrdlicka, who announced her decision to retire in February 2024, after steering the airline through a pivotal transformation.
A seasoned aviation and tourism leader with over 25 years of industry experience, Dave Emerson has been Virgin Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer since June 2021.
Before joining Virgin Australia, he held leadership roles at major airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, and British Airways, where he specialised in commercial strategy, digital transformation, customer experience, and revenue management. His extensive background has made him a key player in Virgin Australia’s post-administration turnaround.
Leading the Next Chapter
Reflecting on his new role, Dave Emerson expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm for the future of Virgin Australia:
“Travel is critical to the way we all live our lives, and Virgin Australia plays a vital role in making this possible every day. I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead the airline and its 8,000-strong team on its next exciting chapter.”
Emerson credited the airline’s transformation under Hrdlicka’s leadership and emphasised his commitment to building on its success:
“We exist for our customers, but it is our people who are the heart of this organisation. Today, we are Australia’s most loved airline, delivering industry-leading operational performance and record financial results. As we return to long-haul international flying and continue innovating our domestic services, we will provide even greater choice and value for travellers.”
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia Chairman Ryan Cotton highlighted Dave Emerson’s extensive experience and strategic insight:
“After a global search, it was clear that Dave is the right leader to continue Virgin Australia’s growth strategy. He understands the unique strengths of our airline, particularly our people and culture, and will ensure the business continues to thrive in the competitive Australian aviation market.”
Cotton acknowledged Hrdlicka’s contributions, crediting her leadership for revitalising Virgin Australia following administration and navigating its return to long-haul flying:
“Jayne has been tireless in her mission to lead this company back to greatness. Thanks to her leadership, Virgin Australia is in an excellent position for the future.”
Leaving a legacy of transformation
Jayne Hrdlicka, who has led Virgin Australia for over three years since her appointment in November 2020, reflected on her tenure with the airline:
“It has been a career highlight and a huge privilege to lead Virgin Australia. Today, we are the most reliable, trusted, and loved airline in the country, delivering exceptional returns for shareholders. The airline’s future is incredibly bright, and Dave is the perfect choice to take Virgin Australia forward.”
Hrdlicka also spoke about the resilience and strength of the Virgin Australia team and the airline’s strategic transformation:
“The last few years have been filled with challenges, but together, we have built a stronger and more competitive Virgin Australia. The business has gone from strength to strength, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. We have a solid strategy in place, and our return to long-haul international flying marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the airline.”
“I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. Virgin Australia’s people are what make this airline so special, and I know they will continue to deliver the exceptional service and experiences that our customers love. As I step away, I do so knowing the airline is in an incredibly strong position, and with Dave at the helm, the future is very bright.”
Emerson officially takes over on Friday, March 14, and Hrdlicka will continue to support the transition in the coming months.
