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In the wake of Alan Joyce’s exit from the Flying Kangaroo, aviation luminary Peter Harbison has released Alan Joyce and Qantas: The Trials and Transformation of an Australian Icon.

The book charts the former CEO’s life and career, from his youth in Ireland through to his defection from Ansett to Qantas, his role in the launch of Jetstar, and his turbulent 15 years as CEO of Australia’s biggest airline group.

In this exclusive interview, Jake Nelson talks with Harbison about his book, as well as his impressions of Alan Joyce’s successes, failures and legacy.

Plus, Harbison offers his insights on the lessons new Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson should take from the Joyce era, and what the rise of Rex and Bonza might mean for the Qantas-Virgin duopoly.