V-Jet.
Correct.
Does AJ or any of his cloud care what QF might look like in 20 years’ time? Of course not.
Does a 30 or 40 year-old pilot care what QF might like like in 20 years’ time? You bet.
This is the problem with running an airline as if it was “any other business”. The lead time for serious fleet improvements is so long that it outlives any executive’s tenure. AJ is enjoying huge
PR for the eventual delivery of his “gamechangers” that were ordered
12 years ago by his predecessor.
The sharemarket rewards future short term earnings. AJ’s pay packet is based on sharemarket reward. So why would he start spending money on aircraft? He won’t be around to see them!
The fact that AJ just delayed a 787 order is a sign that he will be departing sometime soon and he needs the shareprice to max on his day of departure. Millions of dollars (for him) depend upon it.
AJ will go, and take his millions. A new guy will step in and buy aircraft. The shareprice will tank temporarily, and the board will choose that moment to lock in share price incentives for the new CEO. If he/she stays around long enough, more millions. Meanwhile, there will be enough disasters, crises and cycles to pressure and marginalise pilots to lower conditions.
I’d like to think that it won’t work this time. Who’s with me?