Issue #391: Joyce Exits & A New Airshow Begins

What will be Alan Joyce’s legacy?

Has Australia ever had a more consequential aviation figure than Alan Joyce? I didn’t say popular or successful, mind, but consequential. As numerous commentators have pointed out, Alan Joyce was the most famous business personality in Australia precisely because he radically changed Qantas and, in doing so, changed the industry. He seemed to pick a fight with everyone – the passengers, the unions, the state premiers, his rivals and maybe even his staff – and won those battles more often than not.

This issue, we’ve decided to reflect on what his legacy actually is. To do so, we’ve enlisted the help of one of the industry’s most respected figures, Peter Harbison, the founder of CAPA. With impeccable timing, he’s just released the definitive biography of Joyce’s time at Qantas, including numerous interviews with the man himself. Alongside an exclusive extract, we’ve also recorded a podcast and put the edited highlights, in text form, in this magazine. To finish off our coverage, senior journalist Jake Nelson recounts the most significant moments in his tenure.