Originally Posted by
SandyPalms
why?
I’m as sceptical as anyone on QF, but we need some kind of rational argument to advance our cause. Just suggesting QF sucks because someone else bought aircraft before QF, doesn’t prove anything. Keep it real. And don’t involve rugby, just a stupid argument. ✌️
Since you enquired, there are a number of points of difference for a supposed 'end of line' carrier. Firstly, was Rob Fyfe. Every now and again, along comes an airline executive who is a consistent force to ensure the biggest team in the world tends to all head in the same direction.
Mr Fyfe ensured that he and other senior executives regularly went and worked on the front line. From baggage and check in, the feedback from non-KPI preserving managers paints a very different picture to those actually engaged in the job. That goes a long way to gain trust.
Little Napoleon could not, without a security detail, venture very far from his safely entrenched office. Frank Lorenzo had similar structures at Continental Airlines and Gordon Bethune removed them all. The pilots at Southwest bought Mr Kelleher a motorcycle.
That may not resolve issues of 'labour unit cost' but it sure helps that the CEO is approachable and takes the time to communicate.
However, alas for Little Napoleon;
You cannot fake sincerity-Anon.
Air New Zealand also retired the last Boeing 747 in 2014, stating;
Given the opportunity customers always wanted to be seated in the 747s' top deck, he said, let's not kid ourselves. The magic of walking up a circular staircase into the bubble at the top was definitely seen as something that made it even more special." Some customers would be sad to see the 747s go but feedback on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft was extremely positive, he said. "The 747 as it now stands has had its day. It's not competitive."
CEO Luxon stated (paraphrasing) that the disposal of that aircraft was responsible for a very large improvement in their operating expense, margin improvement, ultimately reducing the fuel included CASK substantially.
That Air New Zealand is ignored when Little Napoleon exclaims how well Qantas does is testament to what good airline managers quietly do: Run an efficient, strategically disciplined and focused airline.
Qantas prefers developing social discourse and column inches in the daily rags.