SYDNEY, May 2, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Australia's Qantas Group named Vanessa Hudson as its next chief executive Tuesday, taking over from the cost-cutting Irish-Australian Alan Joyce, who has held the top job for nearly 15 years.

Qantas, which touted a "huge turnaround" when it returned to profit late last year after suffering large losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Hudson would become chief executive and managing director when Joyce retires in November.

Hudson, who has been in Qantas' executive ranks for more than 28 years, will remain in her role as chief financial officer until then, the airline group said.

"It's an absolute honour to be asked to lead the national carrier," she said in a statement.

"This is an exceptional company full of incredibly talented people and it's very well positioned for the future."

Qantas posted a profit of Aus$1.43 billion (US$974 million) before tax in the second half of 2022, after accumulating Aus$7 billion in losses across the previous three years.

Under Joyce, Qantas was heavily criticised by Australia's transport union for sacking or standing down thousands of staff to keep a lid on costs at the height of the outbreak.

The airline has also angered customers post-lockdown with sky-high fares.

Joyce argued that the restructuring, which saved Qantas almost Aus$1 billion, had been crucial to the company's rebound.

Qantas chairman Richard Goyder said the airline group was "extremely well positioned", with a clear strategy, strong balance sheet and record profitability.

"Much of the credit for the bright future in front of Qantas goes to Alan," he said.

"He's faced more than his fair share of challenges," Goyder added, citing the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, intense competition and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Joyce said he had extended his time as chief executive at the board's request to steer the airline through the pandemic

"Now that we're on the other side of that crisis, it's a logical time for me to step down," he added.