This follows an announcement in June that current QantasLink CEO, John Gissing, would retire in early November 2023. He will take on an advisory role for the next 12 months.
Ms Yangoyan has been with the Qantas Group for 20 years in a range of executive roles spanning Customer Experience, Operations, Airports, Loyalty and Strategy. Most recently, she has led the ‘entry into service’ program for Qantas’ major fleet renewal, with a particular focus on the Airbus A220 that will be a major part of QantasLink’s future. The first A220 is due to be delivered by end of calendar year 2023.
Announcing the appointment, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “Rachel has a deep understanding of what it takes to run an airline and brings a lot of capability to this role. As CEO of QantasLink, she’ll be responsible for our regional and charter operations, which are key parts of our business and also key to the role we play in connecting remote parts of Australia.
“This appointment completes the new leadership team structure we announced earlier in the year, which is focused on dealing with the challenges and opportunities now in front of us,” said Ms Hudson.
Ms Yangoyan said: “Qantas started in outback Australia and it’s an honour to be taking on the role of QantasLink CEO and working with our people on improving how we serve regional communities as well as the resources sector.”
