Hickey sets out Qantas priorities

The new boss of Qantas International has spoken of his priorities of forging airline partnerships and seeking closer ties with staff and passengers as he begins the sizeable challenge of reversing the fortunes of the ailing operation.

Simon Hickey was last week handed the responsibility of rebuilding the airline’s international arm as chief executive Alan Joyce split Qantas into two distinct divisions, with Lyell Strambi heading up the domestic network.

The former frequent flyer boss told today’s Australian Financial Review that finding new airline partners is among the principal aims.

“It’s not a small problem, but we do have a plan,” he said. “Ensuring that we embed the right partnerships is very important for us. Reinvigorating and refocusing back on the great Qantas brand is important to me. And then engaging with our people to ensure they understand the journey we’re on and come with us. If I can do those three things we’re in good shape.”

Hickey also told the AFR that Qantas must look at its cost base outside of fuel and see where it find efficiencies.

“High fuel prices are an issue for us all,” he said.

Turning to partnerships, Hickey, who has been touted as a potential successor to Joyce, said Asia and parts of continental Europe are priorities.

“In particular our customers want to have a good Asian reach,” he said.