CEO Interview
The transformation of industry technology is critical to meet customer expectations in how to shop, book, manage, and enjoy their travel experience—on the ground and in the air. The best online retailers have lifted the bar, and our customers expect simplicity, consistency, speed, and ease when they interact with us. The use of data science and more flexible integration of technology platforms will help make this possible. There are also many significant opportunities to use data more dynamically to drive significant real-time operational performance improvements. We are heavily investing in technology and the digital experience as part of our wider transformation strategy to best position ourselves to serve the next-generation customer and to continue managing down our costs. As part of that, we have prioritized upgrades to internal and external digital interfaces and to commercial and operational tools and platforms.
reduce all ground emissions, waste management, carbon offsetting programs, and the use of alternative fuels. How do we encourage the production of sustainable aviation fuels to scale up?
33% Underlying our strategy is a laser focus on 33% domestic market share
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Can airlines afford to pursue sustainability in the current climate, and do you look at green initiatives from a business or environmentalist point of view?
We’ve all got an obligation to do the very best job we can protecting the environment and protecting our futures. We’re very realistic with the challenges associated with getting to net zero by 2050. Though SAF is a key piece of the puzzle, it is not the only piece. Our focus is on the elements of our emissions profile that are within our control, and to work closely across the industry to encourage investment in SAF. Cracking the commercial viability of SAF is the key to our industry goals. Australia is behind other scale markets, so we have work to do as an industry to deliver against our ambition. Virgin Australia announced its commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in November 2021. We are actively building out our wider sustainability strategy, which includes modernizing our fleet, continuing our success with operational efficiencies, working to further airlines.iata.org
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We are grateful for the support we received as an industry through the worst of COVID-19. It helped keep vital infrastructure ready to fly and support both the community and the economy rebuild post lockdowns.
In Australia, there are economically viable solutions in the works. The industry will find answers to the dilemmas we face and work out a way to make SAF commercial. What does diversity bring to the industry and are airlines doing enough to encourage it?
At Virgin Australia, we encourage and embrace diversity in all its forms. We do this not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we fundamentally believe it is economically rewarding for any company to reflect diversity. As an Australian airline, we operate in one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world and we believe in an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce that is representative of the communities in which we live, work and fly. We recognize that an important part of this is meaningful action toward reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. In March, we launched Virgin Australia’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was our commitment to cultural recognition and reconciliation through a formalized plan to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the same opportunities to work, travel, and do business with Virgin Australia as other Australians. As part of our RAP, our priority is building career opportunities for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members and ensuring they feel supported and valued for their contribution to the Group. For over a decade now, Virgin Australia has proudly supported significant partnerships and sponsorships to create opportunities and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and we recognize the importance of continuing this journey.
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2022 – 02 Airlines
24/05/2022 18:53