Australian Aviation

In a candid new interview, Alan Joyce emphasised that he previously only said he would remain in the role until “at least” the end of next year, and hadn’t decided on an exit date.

In a significant intervention, Alan Joyce used the example of when one of the Flying Kangaroo’s A380 engines exploded mid-air to justify the importance of multiple pilots.

The flag carrier said strong ticket sales and stabilising fuel prices were behind it targeting up to $NZ325m in the six months to 31 December.

The incident occurred during an aerial spraying operation in Clare, SA in 2020, and was blamed on an undetected fatigue crack.

Chief executive Lorie Argus has asked passengers to be “patient and respectful” to newly hired recruits dealing with the Christmas surge.

A spokesman for the business said all operations team members had also been briefed to “remind them” of the high standards expected in the role.