Virgin Australia appoints new CEO who began career at America West Airlines
Virgin Australia has appointed its current Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Dave Emerson as the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following Jayne Hrdlicka’s four-year tenure in the role.
Emerson, who began his career in the aviation industry as a customer service representative at America West Airlines in 1990, said that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead the airline and its 8,000 strong team on its next exciting chapter”.
Virgin Australia announced on March 5, 2025, that Emerson, who joined the carrier in June 2021, will begin his transition into the CEO role immediately, and formally assume the role on March 14, 2025.
Hrdlicka will help support the transition over the coming months before retiring later in the year.
“It is now the perfect time to transition leadership for this next chapter. Dave is an excellent choice to succeed me as CEO. He has proven himself as a strong leader and has been a key contributor to Virgin Australia’s successful transformation journey,” said Hrdlicka.
Virgin AustraliaShe added: “His breadth of experience will be invaluable to the company, and he brings the added advantage of being part of the team that created our blueprint for continued improvement in both profitability and growth.”
In February 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed Virgin Australia has surpassed Qantas by flying the most domestic passengers in 2024.
Virgin Australia’s Chairman Ryan Cotton praised Emerson for being a “core part of the team, developing our plans for transformation and growth of the business”.
Emerson studied at Stanford University and spent most of his career working for aviation consultancy Bain & Company.
“Today, we are Australia’s most loved airline, delivering industry leading operational performance and record financial results. I will continue the transformation journey begun under Jayne’s outstanding leadership. The strategy we set as we emerged from Administration several years ago is now paying off, said Emerson.
He added: “As we return to long-haul international flying, and innovate our domestic services, we can open greater choice and even better value travel experiences for our customers, including more opportunities to reward them for their loyalty. Importantly, it also creates new opportunities for our team.”
America West Airlines merged with US Airways in 2007 and then in 2013 joined with American Airlines.
RELATED
Japan Airlines unveils EXPO 2025-themed livery featuring Gundam giant robot
The post Virgin Australia appoints new CEO who began career at America West Airlines appeared first on AeroTime.
Virgin Australia has appointed its current Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Dave Emerson as the airline’s new Chief Executive…
The post Virgin Australia appoints new CEO who began career at America West Airlines appeared first on AeroTime.
