ALAN JOYCE: Resurfaces since stepping down as CEO of Qantas amid public outcry

Alan Joyce, former Qantas CEO, has resurfaced on the national stage with the pre-release of a speech he is due to deliver at the Australian Aviation Summit today, Thursday 14 August around 14:30. In the speech, he champions sustainable fuels and the need for training the new aviation workforce. But his polished rhetoric only deals tangentially with his disturbing legacy, which saw him leave his position as CEO of Qantas, two months early.

His scheduled address can’t erase the lingering disquiet felt by travellers, unionists, and others still bracing from the fallout of his tumultuous reign.

Speech timing

Joyce’s timing of his first major public address since the end of his reign at Qantas, back in 2023, is interesting. He is addressing the Australian Aviation Summit, a Leidos-sponsored industry gabfest only launched a year ago.

“Working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in government, intelligence, defence, aviation, border protection and health markets. Leidos Australia’s 2000 local experts, backed by our global experience and network of partners, deliver solutions that protect and advance the Australian way of life.”

Leidos Australia website

So, on the surface it isn’t that industry leading. It’s not like its speaker list has a bunch of other Australian and International airline CEO’s. In fact the only other current or ex CEO besides Joyce I can find is the CEO of Air Asia X Benyamin Ismail.

The majority of other speakers seem to be from Momentum Media, which looks like it organises the event and sponsors Leidos. Other speakers seem mainly from various peak bodies like pilots plus some airport, training and other groups. There is a GM for people operations from Virgin Australia, but unless I am missing someone no other representative of Qantas. Maybe they didn’t want to be seen on this same stage as their discredited the ex-CEO.

The timeing is interesting. On Monday, Justice Michael Lee will hand down his decision on penalties for the illegal sacking of 1800 groundstaff under Joyce’s reign. The Transport Workers’ Union is asking Qantas to be fined the maximum amount of AU$121 million. That’s on top of an AU$120 million compensation fund for the affected workers.

‘Look over there’ — SAF and skills future, rather than past record

Joyce will be diverting his audiences scrutiny over his past action by focusing on the future. He is calling for urgent national action on sustainable aviation fuel and stronger pilot training pipelines.

For many, his appearance will just trigger déjà vu. Remember, this is the man who was accused after an internal enquiry of using a ‘command and control’ managerial style. As well as illegally sacking groundstaff, he also oversaw the selling of flights which the airline had already cancelled. The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) fined Qantas fined Qantas AU$100 million for that misleading of consumers.

He also retained travellers’ ticket payments by offering restrictive flight credits, when consumer law dictated refunds as an option. He played hard and fast with unions, and had Qantas lobby the federal government to prevent international competitor Qatar Airways from gaining additional flights in and out of Australia, while international airfares were soaring.

2PAXfly Takeout

Two years after his pre-emptive resignation, Joyce is starting the rehabilitation of his reputation. Unfortunately, I think it may be premature. Australian consumers have long memories. With a range of issues still to be resolved, caused during his reign, there will also be constant and present reminders.

For a detailed look at his leadership of Qantas, I recommend two books that offer different perspectives on his management style and success. ‘Alan Joyce and Qantas: The Trials and Transformation of an Australian Icon‘ by Peter Harbison. It is measured, but tends towards hagiography.

On the other hand, ‘The Chairman’s Lounge: The inside story of how Qantas sold us out‘ by Joe Aston is well argued and entertaining storytelling. It’s also immensely critical of Alan Joyce’s term at Qantas.