Virgin Australia appoints new CEO as airline prepares for long-haul future

Virgin Australia has appointed Dave Emerson as CEO to lead the company into a new era of long-haul flying with Jayne Hrdlicka stepping down this month.

Mr Emerson is currently Virgin Australia's chief commercial officer, a role he has held since 2021.

He has 25 years' experience in the aviation and tourism industries working with global airlines.

Virgin said he played an important role in positioning the airline as a "value and choice carrier that puts its customers and people first".

Mr Emerson will take over from Ms Hrdlicka on March 14 and Ms Hrdlicka will reportedly continue to support the transition for the next few months.

Ms Hrdlicka said it had been a "career highlight" and a "huge privilege" to lead Virgin Australia and she was proud of what she and the team achieved.

"Today, Virgin Australia is the most reliable airline, the most trusted and the most loved airline in the country and is delivering exceptional returns for its shareholders," she said in a statement.

"We have detailed plans in place for the next four years which support a very bright outlook for Virgin Australia Group. It is now the perfect time to transition leadership for this next chapter."

She said Mr Emerson had proven himself as a "strong leader".

Mr Emerson said he was "humbled" to take the reins as CEO and lead the 8000-strong team.

"I have experienced first-hand the remarkable journey over the past four years as we have reinvented Virgin Australia," he said.

"We exist for our customers, but it is our people who are the heart of this organisation. They are central to our brand and our key differentiator in the highly competitive Australian aviation landscape."

He said Virgin Australia was the country's "most loved airline".

Virgin Australia chairman Ryan Cotton said there was a global search for the right CEO to take over from Ms Hrdlicka and the company was in an "excellent position" thanks to her leadership.

"We are sad to see her go, and she leaves with our deepest appreciation and gratitude for a job well done."

In June, Virgin Australia will return to long-haul flying after being absent in the sector since the pandemic.

Twenty-five per cent of the company will soon be owned by Qatar Airways which will "wet lease" its aircraft for Virgin to begin flying to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Virgin Australia won World's Best Cabin Crew for the seventh year at the AirlineRatings.com 2025 Airline Excellence Awards.