Here you go:
Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti says having an IT system that supports seamless booking and travel is essential to the airline. Source: News Limited
"WE will continue to invest where it improves our efficiency as a business and enhances the customer experience."
1. Has the corporate outlook improved, and if so what investment plans do you have for next year and why?
We did see some improvement following the election, however, conditions remain challenging. Now that the election is out of the way, there is more certainty which is necessary for business to be able to invest for the medium to long term.
We have just completed a major transformation program, however, we will continue to invest where it improves our efficiency as a business and enhances the customer experience.
2. What opportunities do you see for your company and the country in Asia and how do you plan to exploit them?
Asia presents a huge opportunity for the travel and tourism industry in Australia - it is the fastest-growing region in the world in terms of both economic development and population, with China recently taking over Britain and the US as Australia's second largest source of international visitors.
Our alliance partnership with Singapore Airlines gives us access to the most comprehensive network across the Asia Pacific - in China alone, they fly into 10 major airports. We are working closely with Singapore Airlines to promote Australia across Asia and create a seamless travel experience flying from Asia throughout Australia and we have invested in IT systems that improve our visibility and accessibility across the region.
3. What do you see as the biggest opportunities/challenges facing your company?
The economic environment - it presents a challenge as the economic health of the country is directly linked to travel spend, however, it is also an enormous opportunity for
Virgin Australia as many companies are looking for more value in their travel arrangements, so there is significant potential upside for us.
Building an even stronger customer-led business - as we grow as a business, ensuring that we maintain the strong focus on the customer that differentiates us from others in the market. Technology and continuing to develop our people will be key to us achieving this.
4. What is the biggest technology threat or opportunity for your company?
The distribution capability of our business - having the right IT system that supports seamless booking and travel with our airline is essential and we have recently implemented a new system that significantly improves access to our flights across the world. Working to extract advantages from this system is a major priority and will help us to promote Australia as a destination in overseas markets.
5. What are the key national issues and how should they be solved?
Infrastructure - we are lagging behind other parts of the world such as the Middle East and Asia where they are developing massive infrastructure projects to support population and economic growth. Key stakeholders such as government, business and community groups should work together to fast-track infrastructure projects in Australia so that we can maximise our country's productivity and our attractiveness as a destination for business and leisure travellers.
