Name: Stephen Thompson
Title: Senior Executive Vice President
Company, city: Qantas Airways; Los Angeles, Calif.
Number of employees: 28,000 worldwide; 250 in the United States
Recent project: G’Day USA, the annual campaign that brings Australian trade, technology and the Best of Australia to the United States
First job: I spent a year selling insurance in Adelaide before moving into aviation. I worked at Ansett Airlines for 14 years and have been at Qantas for 24 years.
Little-known fact about you: I run three times a week—three 10k jogs around Santa Monica—and I also run while traveling to help counter jet lag.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? Customer-focused technology will continue to shape the industry, from faster booking and real-time tracking to enhancements in onboard products. Qantas has a long history of innovation—among other milestones, we were early developers of business-class travel. Our Boeing 787-9 fleet is a significant advance, enabling ultra-long-range routes such as London to Perth in around 17 hours. We collaborate with engine manufacturers like GE to improve fuel efficiency and closely monitor our carbon footprint. Passengers appreciate our Airbus A380s for the extra space and comfort; some travelers even choose routes specifically to fly on that aircraft.
Best career advice you’ve received: Always put the customer at the heart of what you do.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? The airline industry is complex and constantly evolving; stay curious and keep your sense of humor.
Stephen Thompson as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: My honeymoon in Santorini, Greece. Returning years later was fascinating—the island has changed a lot. On my first visit, tourists often used donkeys to descend the steep cliffs; now full buses carry visitors down the paths.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Take a jog after a long flight to help reset your body clock. Physical activity is effective for combating jet lag.
Best advice for business travelers: Travel light. Packing minimally speeds you through airports and helps you reach your destination more efficiently.
About Qantas Airways
What can premium travelers expect from a flight on Qantas Airways?
Premium travelers can expect a distinctive dining experience in the sky. We use fresh ingredients and feature an onboard cook on many services, with menus developed by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry and complemented by local wines. To deliver this restaurant-quality service we employ experienced hotel and restaurant staff and invest heavily in training for food and wine service. Our cabin experience is shaped by Australian hospitality and the airline’s motto, Spirit of Australia, which appears on every fuselage.
Tell our readers about the perks and partnerships of the airline’s frequent-flyer program.
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn Qantas Points through a wide range of partners. For example, members earn one Qantas Point per dollar spent on eligible taxi travel booked via the Ingogo app, and we now offer one Qantas Point per dollar spent with Airbnb. We also reward members through dining, shopping and hotel partnerships where points and upgrades are available. For members taking maternity leave, we offer the option to pause status so they can return without losing their benefits. With 11.5 million members in a country of roughly 23 million people, our goal is to ensure members feel connected to the airline.
With a new app and in-flight WiFi coming to Qantas, what other upgrades can travelers expect in the next five years?
Significant improvements will arrive with our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on U.S. routes. The new business suite, designed by Thomson Aero in Dublin, offers a level of comfort comparable to first class for business passengers. Economy will see incremental improvements, including an extra inch of legroom, and premium economy will provide even more space and comfort. These cabin upgrades, combined with digital enhancements and connectivity, will make travel more seamless and enjoyable.