The travel industry, pilots, unions, analysts and the public have reacted to the not-so-surprising early departure of former, controversial Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce and the commencement of the Vanessa Hudson-era at the national carrier this week.
One of the highest profile figures to pay tribute to Joyce, Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) managing director Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner said, “Alan led Qantas through the most challenging government restriction period the industry has ever faced and has also helped pioneer initiatives that will benefit travellers long into the future, including ultra-long-haul sunrise flights”.
“FLT has worked very collaboratively with him and his senior team and we will continue to do so,” Turner said in a statement emailed to Karryon.
“While there has inevitably been some turbulence along the way and we have not always agreed with the decisions that have been made, we have maintained a close and positive relationship with Alan and his people throughout his tenure.”
“We are sad to see him stand down ahead of his intended schedule, but understand his reasoning as Qantas prepares for the dawn of a new era of success under Vanessa Hudson’s leadership.
“As probably the largest global distributor of Qantas’s product, we forward to working closely with Vanessa and her team.”
Looking forward
Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long said ATIA “looks forward to working with new CEO Vanessa Hudson and her team”.
“It’s important we have a positive, collaborative relationship to support travelling Australians,” he stated.
“In the current year, one third of our clients flew with Qantas domestically and internationally, representing nearly $3 billion of Australians’ money spent on air travel.
“We look forward to working collaboratively to support these travellers and our businesses for mutual success.”
Cockpit’s view
The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), which represents Qantas Group pilots, said the early retirement would “provide the circuit breaker needed to allow Qantas to move forward”.
”We look forward to working constructively with incoming CEO Vanessa Hudson to rebuild our iconic airline into the respected and trusted brand that has made all Australians proud,” AIPA President Captain Tony Lucas said.
“There is much work to be done, however we trust that Ms Hudson recognises the power of respecting and valuing all Qantas staff and how that can play a significant role in the renewal of the airline.
“The Spirit of Australia may be deflated, but it is not defeated and if we all work together, I’m confident Qantas can be great once more.”
“First good decision”
Less conciliatory were remarks by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), who said Joyce’s early retirement was the “first good decision the Qantas board has made for a very long time”.
“After finally receiving the public scrutiny he deserves for trashing one of Australia’s most cherished companies, Alan Joyce is exiting with a $10 million bonus, announced on Friday,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said.
“Australians are rightfully furious with the Joyce regime which has seen three unprecedented court challenges from workers, a safety regulator and the consumer watchdog.”
Restoring faith
RMIT Senior Lecturer, Finance Dr My Nguyen said that in order to turn its reputation around, “Qantas needs a comprehensive strategy that balances profitability with ethical responsibilities to workers, customers, and the public”.
“One possible way to design such a strategy is to use the triple bottom line framework, focusing on profit, people and the planet – this can urge businesses to consider social and environmental impacts alongside financial gains.”
Your say
Reaction to the news on social media has been largely scathing of Joyce.
“Bye AJ you should do the right thing and leave the bonus to the shareholders,” one commenter said on Karryon’s Facebook page.
Another simply noted it “Should have happened years ago”.
One reader said the move was “Definitely going to be a strategic leaving”.
“Only would do it if he benefited in some way.”
Meanwhile, one user suggested, “Nothing will change, needs to be a royal commission into the airline industry as a whole. They are a law unto themselves.”
