Qantas CEO calls for Australia to become more competitive in aviation landscape

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce addressed (09-Oct-2012) the Australian National Press Club, stating Australian citizens, companies and organisations are living in complex times and need to respond to the new environment by becoming more productive and taking advantage of "new technologies and smarter processes". Mr Joyce called for Australia to become more competitive in order to ensure Australia remains a preferred location for investing and business. Mr Joyce highlighted how China is in the process of building 82 new airports in five years however Australia has been talking about a second Sydney airport for 23 years. Qantas Group is adapting to the new environment by cooperating with other players in the aviation industry, most recently Emirates with which it is seeking approval for a 10-year partnership. Mr Joyce said if the partnership is approved, it will provide customers "a seamless Australian and international network, extensive frequent flyer benefits and consistently excellent travel experiences" while also delivering significant benefits to Qantas' transformation programme. Meanwhile Jetstar is working to build its brand in Asia to take advantage of the growing Asian market, including with the launch of Jetstar Japan and planned launch of Jetstar Hong Kong. Mr Joyce concluded with a positive outlook for Australian tourism if the Qantas-Emirates partnership is approved and said, "This partnership is going to be good for us, and it will be good for Australia". [more - original PR]