Jake Nelson

Critics have argued the decision will both reduce the number of seats for sale into Australia and hinder competition that could bring prices down.

Richard Goyder, who has served as Qantas chair since 2018, told The Australian he is “fully committed” to continuing on and overseeing the transition to new CEO Vanessa Hudson, who was originally to take up the position following November’s AGM.

The TWU and Australian Services Union have both indicated they want to see a line drawn under Joyce’s tenure with the appointment of new CEO Vanessa Hudson, who will take the reins on Wednesday after Joyce moved his planned exit date forward by two months.

In a scathing statement, Senator Sheldon, a long-time foe of outgoing CEO Alan Joyce, said the Qantas board “cannot hide behind Joyce’s resignation” and that chair Richard Goyder’s head should be the next on the chopping block.

CEO Alan Joyce, who has led Qantas since 2008, was originally to leave the role at the airline’s AGM in November, but will now hand over the reins to CFO Vanessa Hudson as of Wednesday 6 September. Qantas’s current Executive of strategy, people and technology, Rob Marcolina, will take over as CFO.

In an interview with ABC Radio National, deputy chairman John Sharp also questioned whether outgoing CEO Alan Joyce deserved his potential $24 million final pay packet.