Former Qantas pilot Richard de Crespigny, famous as the pilot in command of a Qantas A380 crippled by an engine failure near Singapore, which he returned safely to Changi Airport in 2010 with about 400 passengers on board, spoke to our group.
Much of the discussion was concerned with the appalling performance of the airline, with much of the criticism focussed on former chairman Alan Joyce. Richard said he was widely criticised for giving all the 400 or so passengers on his crippled flight, his mobile phone number. He said that was the least he could do in the interests of good public relations. In the end, only about 20 passengers rang him. Richard believes Qantas can retrieve its previous good standing and he is working towards being elected to the board to help achieve that.
Addressing the question concerning Qatar Airways being declined Australian landing rights, Richard said the airline's appalling treatment of women, should exclude it from more access to Australian skies. Richard also signed copies of his two books, QF 32 and FLY! The Elements of Resilience.
Much of the discussion was concerned with the appalling performance of the airline, with much of the criticism focussed on former chairman Alan Joyce. Richard said he was widely criticised for giving all the 400 or so passengers on his crippled flight, his mobile phone number. He said that was the least he could do in the interests of good public relations. In the end, only about 20 passengers rang him. Richard believes Qantas can retrieve its previous good standing and he is working towards being elected to the board to help achieve that.
Addressing the question concerning Qatar Airways being declined Australian landing rights, Richard said the airline's appalling treatment of women, should exclude it from more access to Australian skies. Richard also signed copies of his two books, QF 32 and FLY! The Elements of Resilience.
There will be no session on Cup Day, however we will meet again on Tuesday 5th December. Details will be included in the December Newsletter.
David Palmer
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