Issue 285: Qantas at the Crossroads

Restructuring the roo

On August 24 Qantas is set to make an announcement which could see the biggest change for the airline’s international services since it emerged as a privately-owned carrier in the 1990s.

CEO Alan Joyce foreshadowed the announcement during an address to the National Press Club on June 21, where he made it clear that the airline’s international services are in need of changes to ensure that it remains financially sustainable.

“Qantas International is the Group’s weakest business – it has achieved required returns only three times in the past 15 years,” he said. “Clearly the situation is not sustainable. However, we are developing a long term strategy aimed at restoring competitiveness and profitability.”