From the CEO
The founders of Qantas were classic entrepreneurs. Off the back of a left-field idea, they raised funds, won contracts and served as our first pilots, engineers and executives. They even built their own aircraft.
In 1920, Qantas was what we’d now call a startup. So, in a way, we came full circle when we launched the Avro Accelerator initiative in March. It’s an invitation to entrepreneurs: pitch your smartest ideas to help us improve what we do and, if we like them, we’ll work with you to make them a reality.
We’re particularly interested in concepts that address how we can take advantage of new technologies to cut any hassle from journeys or how we can create new services outside of the trip from A to B – priorities we’re already focused on but would love to get even better at.
We’ve deliberately given applicants a blank canvas. We’re constantly looking to improve in small ways. But if it makes sense to completely rethink the way we’re doing something, we’re not going to miss the opportunity.
Qantas firsts such as creating
Business class and establishing Jetstar are great examples. They had a big impact because they met the changing needs of Australian travellers.
You could say the same about the next phase of Qantas’s evolution. The 787 Dreamliner will open up breakthrough routes, such as Perth to London in March next year. And high-speed onboard
wi-fi will transform how we
provide you with information and entertainment.
There’s a clear business argument for innovation. Travellers expect airlines to keep up with evolving technology. And talented people want to work for companies that push the boundaries.
When James Strong, Qantas’s CEO in the ’90s, was asked what he thought made a successful business, he replied, “Working together on new and exciting things.” He was right – and we want our partners to share in that sense of excitement, too. We’ve always tapped into the expertise of manufacturers such as Boeing and we’re lucky to have relationships with creative talents such as Marc Newson and Neil Perry.
The bottom line is, we’re curious about new ideas, regardless of where they come from, which is why I’m looking forward to seeing where the Avro Accelerator program leads.
How did the name come about? The Avro 504K was our
first aircraft so it’s a tribute to
our founders. It’s also about carrying on their legacy, building on Qantas’s history of innovation and inspiring the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs.