Vanessa Hudson has been appointed the new CEO of iconic airline Qantas Airways Ltd., replacing Alan Joyce, who will step down in November after 15 years in the role. Hudson is set to take on her new responsibilities amid challenging times for the company due to tense relations with unions and passengers at an all-time low. Her main focus will be addressing the multi-billion dollar bill required for upgrading the fleet.
Over the next three years, Qantas is expected to receive a new aircraft every three weeks. However, delivery costs are anticipated to increase annual capital expenditure to a record A$3.36 billion by 2025. Among other tasks, Hudson faces rolling out non-stop flights linking Sydney with London and New York in late 2025—the world's longest direct commercial services.
As the first woman ever leading this century-old airline, Vanessa Hudson brings nearly 30 years of experience serving in senior roles within Qantas. The company had faced severe criticism over cancelled flights, lost luggage, and delays but managed an impressive comeback earlier this year with half-year profits amounting to A$1.4bn.
Alan Joyce expressed confidence in his successor while announcing his retirement: "I am stepping down having steered the airline through its Covid recovery plan and want to ensure a smooth handover to Vanessa who I believe will excel in her role as CEO."
Hudson's appointment not only marks a historic milestone for gender equality within such an established corporation but also demonstrates her commitment towards spearheading ultra-long haul services—an ambitious albeit environmentally controversial endeavor considering they are considered among the most polluting flights globally.