Contrition? Redemption? Alan Joyce makes public return in major speech
The speech to the Australian Aviation Summit comes just days ahead of a Federal Court decision on how much to fine the airline Joyce ran, over the illegal sacking of 1800 employees during the pandemic. The anger over the sackings, along with concerns from competition regulators and broader unhappiness about service forced Joyce out of Qantas in 2023.
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Herald Sun
a day ago
- Herald Sun
Qantas: Alan Joyce breaks silence at Sydney aviation conference
Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has been given a warm reception at an aviation summit in Sydney in his first public speaking engagement since exiting the airline almost two years ago. A crowd of more than 200 aviation company executives and airline employees packed the Ilumina conference room as Mr Joyce delivered a 45-minute speech reflecting on his 36 years in the industry. Looking happy and relaxed in a blue suit and dark shirt, Mr Joyce opened with a joke about making the front page of The Australian on Thursday, saying it was great for two reasons. Firstly, he said, it highlighted the importance of aviation and, secondly, it meant 'Donald Trump hadn't done anything weird overnight'. 'It's great that I'm no longer head of the national carrier and I can make jokes like that without worrying about F-16s turning around Qantas aircraft,' he said. Much of his speech touched on his experiences at Qantas in a positive light, and he resumed his advocacy for a sustainable aviation fuel industry, and the need for better pathways for the next generation of pilots, technicians and cabin crew. He spoke of the airline industry's commitment to safety, pointing out that since jet travel began in 1959 fewer than 37,000 people had died in commercial aircraft crashes worldwide, yet every year 1.3 million people died in road accidents. 'When a plane diverts, it makes international news. Because our standard isn't 'better than cars'. It's as close to perfect as possible,' Mr Joyce said. 'We don't hide mistakes: we learn and share. This culture of continuous learning is what makes aviation safety exceptional.' He warned the nature of risks facing airlines were changing, saying mental health, supply chain shocks and climate were among the biggest threats. Mr Joyce said extreme weather was no longer seasonal, it was structural, and more crosswinds, higher-density altitudes and faster storms were changing flight operations in real time. 'Safety systems must now integrate climate intelligence. Pilots and dispatchers must expect the unexpected,' he told the spellbound crowd. 'At Sydney Airport, single-runway operations due to crosswinds used to be rare. In 2014, they happened only a few days a year. By 2024, nearly 40 days. It's a trend driven by more frequent westerlies.' He also tackled the subject of artificial intelligence, pointing out how Qantas and other airlines were using the tool for predictive maintenance to flag issues with aircraft components before they occurred, as well as for flight planning. But, Mr Joyce said there was a greater role for AI in the customer experience, and turning flashpoints such as delays, missed connections and lost bags into 'opportunities'. 'But there's a risk: as smart assistants manage more of the journey, airlines could fade into the background. If airlines don't own the customer interface in the age of AI, someone else will, and we'll become just the plumbing behind the platform,' he said. 'To avoid becoming invisible, airlines must use AI not just for efficiency but to deliver transparent, human-centred experiences.' After wrapping up his speech to a round of applause, Mr Joyce made a quick beeline for the exit, not hanging around to network with the aviation-heavy crowd. Asked how he thought Qantas was going under CEO Vanessa Hudson, Mr Joyce declined to answer. 'I'm only going to talk about what was said in the presentation today,' he said, ignoring questions about the board's decision to slash his entitlements by $9.3m. He confirmed he was keen to remain a part of the aviation industry but would not provide further details on where or in what capacity. Mr Joyce left Qantas in September 2023 after a turbulent period that saw the airline unlawfully sack 1800 ground workers and sell thousands of tickets on already cancelled flights. To date, those two matters have cost the company $240m, with Qantas yet to learn of its penalty for the unlawful outsourcing. Federal Court judge Michael Lee will deliver his decision on Monday, with the Transport Workers Union seeking the maximum fine of $121m. Originally published as Alan Joyce at home in the limelight as he hints at a return to the aviation industry
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Ex-Wiggles CEO's shock lawsuit
The former chief executive of The Wiggles – who left after just over a year into his role – has lodged Federal Court proceedings against the popular children's entertainment group. Luke O'Neill was named the children's music sensation's first chief executive last year, according to aNb Media, with his role focusing on 'expanding The Wiggles' digital footprint, developing new products and expanding the commercial operations of the business'. Mr O'Neill had worked as a consultant with The Wiggles since mid-2023 prior to stepping into the new role. His LinkedIn profile states he finished the role in August 2024. Former The Wiggles chief executive Luke O'Neill. Credit: Supplied In a Federal Court application filed earlier this week, Mr O'Neil has lodged proceedings under the Fair Work Act against The Wiggles, the group's leader Anthony Field and its general counsel Matthew Salgo. The application has been made under the Fair Work Act alleging 'dismissal in contravention of a general protection'. The Fair Work Commission's website outlines general protections laws prevent employers from dismissing employees for specific reasons – such as taking long periods of sick leave or if they are fired for making a complaint under workplace rights. Details of Mr O'Neill's application and complaint against The Wiggles and the other respondents is not known. Mr O'Neill's legal team Wotton Kearney declined to comment when contacted by NewsWire. A hearing date has not been set and defences have not been filed by the respondents. The Wiggles. Credit: Supplied In a statement, a Wiggles spokeswoman said: 'This relates to a current legal proceeding and as such we will not be commenting on it.' Mr O'Neill's role as chief executive involved 'ensuring that The Wiggles can continue to self-fund innovative, educational and entertaining content and extend distribution to reach larger audiences than ever before', aNb Media stated when he took on the role. 'The Wiggles have always been pioneers in delivering high-quality, educational, and entertaining content for children,' Mr O'Neill told the outlet in 2023. 'I am thrilled to lead the team as we explore new opportunities in the digital and commercial spaces and expand our global presence. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences for children and families around the world.' Kate Chiodo, who has worked in various roles with The Wiggles, was appointed the new chief executive in May.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Former Wiggles chief executive Luke O'Neill sues children's group under Fair Work Act
The former chief executive of The Wiggles – who left after just over a year into his role – has lodged Federal Court proceedings against the popular children's entertainment group. Luke O'Neill was named the children's music sensation's first chief executive last year, according to aNb Media, with his role focusing on 'expanding The Wiggles' digital footprint, developing new products and expanding the commercial operations of the business'. Mr O'Neill had worked as a consultant with The Wiggles since mid-2023 prior to stepping into the new role. His LinkedIn profile states he finished the role in August 2024. In a Federal Court application filed earlier this week, Mr O'Neil has lodged proceedings under the Fair Work Act against The Wiggles, the group's leader Anthony Field and its general counsel Matthew Salgo. The application has been made under the Fair Work Act alleging 'dismissal in contravention of a general protection'. The Fair Work Commission's website outlines general protections laws prevent employers from dismissing employees for specific reasons – such as taking long periods of sick leave or if they are fired for making a complaint under workplace rights. Details of Mr O'Neill's application and complaint against The Wiggles and the other respondents is not known. Mr O'Neill's legal team Wotton Kearney declined to comment when contacted by NewsWire. A hearing date has not been set and defences have not been filed by the respondents. In a statement, a Wiggles spokeswoman said: 'This relates to a current legal proceeding and as such we will not be commenting on it.' Mr O'Neill's role as chief executive involved 'ensuring that The Wiggles can continue to self-fund innovative, educational and entertaining content and extend distribution to reach larger audiences than ever before', aNb Media stated when he took on the role. 'The Wiggles have always been pioneers in delivering high-quality, educational, and entertaining content for children,' Mr O'Neill told the outlet in 2023. 'I am thrilled to lead the team as we explore new opportunities in the digital and commercial spaces and expand our global presence. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences for children and families around the world.' Kate Chiodo, who has worked in various roles with The Wiggles, was appointed the new chief executive in May.
