Originally Posted by
RealityCzech
No it doesn't need one. It can also become more of a virtual airline instead of putting billions into new QI fleet. Basing your plan and thinking on the false premise that QI will inevitably be purchasing new aircraft is a mistake.
We keep hearing about these ‘Virtual Airline’ business models, but I can’t really think of one off hand. Where you might say codeshare, etc; all airlines use codeshare and the like to give its customers a slightly improved route network, this is hardly said business model. Every airline still flies its own metal on the routes where it can get the loads it needs and make money... people want to get the product / brands they pay for, and if they don’t get it they’ll go elsewhere.
Qantas is going to be increasingly competing with airlines that have already had more modern and efficient fleets for a decade. Most are already taking a step-change again, leaving Qantas at risk of being an entire generation behind, AND playing catch-up.
Qantas employees are constantly told they are too expensive, or that their Western Terms and conditions are uncompetitive in an Asian region, yet when it comes to making serious strides where costs can REALLY be impacted in competing with SQ and Cathay and the like, the current management seem to drag their feet.
Unfortunately for the IR bullies, using aircraft orders will no longer be effective as a tool in an industrial battle. The staff (pilots/engineers/and others), are now increasingly aware that either Qantas gets serious about a fleet renewal program, or it gets annihilated by it’s competitors who have been serious about it for a decade or more already. It’s only a matter of time before the share market becomes aware of this as well.
Alan Joyce has been at the helm for almost TEN years, and I can't think of one new aircraft order made in that time... but the time has come. They need to outline a fleet renewal program for the next decade, and it needs happen relatively soon.
Rated De is correct.