Former Qantas pilot speaks out following CEO's abrupt resignation
Experienced Qantas aviator with a remarkable 34-year tenure, Richard de Crespigny, expressed his belief that it was about time for Alan to bid farewell following the sudden announcement of Alan Joyce's departure as the CEO of the renowned Australian airline today.
The head of Qantas, who has been serving as the CEO for 15 years, was scheduled to step down in November.
However, after several recent scandals, the CEO made the decision to "take responsibility for the financial struggles" as per de Crespigny.
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"The chief executive officer has to assume accountability," de Crespigny conveyed to A Current Affair presenter Ally Langdon.
Amidst the controversies that affected the airline, there was a significant dissatisfaction expressed by customers who did not receive reimbursement for flights that were cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. Furthermore, the airline is facing recent claims from the ACCC in the Federal Court, stating that they sold tickets for flights that had already been cancelled.
The airline's workers celebrated with excitement upon hearing about the sudden departure of the CEO.
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A member of the ground staff enthusiastically shared with A Current Affair, "We are joyously reveling, not only because he is departing, but also because his heroic story has experienced a significant downfall."
"I had just arrived in Melbourne from Sydney this morning and as soon as the plane landed, the flight attendants were congratulating each other with enthusiastic palm slaps," de Crespigny stated.
Although the remarks made about Joyce's departure were vicious, de Crespigny expressed his opinion that the CEO had a commendable beginning when he assumed the position in 2008.
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"He actually founded Jetstar, a thriving budget airline that has surpassed the expectations of many," remarked de Crespigny.
According to the pilot, the trouble began when he barred entry to workers amid a labor disagreement.
According to de Crespigny, he believed that grounding the airline was an incorrect and unnecessary decision, as he argued that the journeys undertaken by passengers for occasions such as funerals or weddings were trivial and insignificant.
According to him, as things took a turn for the worse, the management team began making choices that resulted in an upward flow of money.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the employees who endured the most hardships.
A considerable number of individuals experienced unfavorable outcomes. They were unable to overcome the situation successfully. They were hit hard, facing unemployment, homelessness, and the dissolution of their marriages," de Crespigny stated.
The employees who supported Qantas faced immense hardships.
"And it has been disheartening to witness the top management, including the CEO, receiving bonuses while the burden falls on individuals like baggage handlers and others who have been laid off."
This does not serve as a positive model for effective leadership.
Joyce is set to receive a staggering $24 million in bonuses, however, de Crespigny expressed concern over the executives being awarded such a remarkable sum of money while other employees are experiencing difficulties, deeming it detrimental.
Vanessa Hudson is set to become the new CEO of Qantas Group, succeeding Joyce who will be leaving the airline after twenty years of service, with his most recent role being the chief financial officer.
However, de Crespigny acknowledges that Hudson has a strong background in the industry. Nonetheless, he remains doubtful about the extent of the new CEO's ability to resolve the airline's numerous issues.
He mentioned that although Hudson is proficient, there are still areas that require improvement.
"He mentioned that Qantas must modify its procedures to rectify the errors it has committed," he stated.
I feel confident... that it will come to pass.
Vanessa Hudson hails from an impressive upbringing, she possesses firm knowledge of the organization, she is well-versed in its financial matters, and she possesses a comprehensive understanding of its operations.
