Qantas Trims Executive Bonuses by 15% Amid Cyber Attack Fallout

Australia's flag carrier, Qantas Airways, has taken a firm stance against its top executives, cutting short-term bonuses by 15% in fiscal 2025 due to the devastating cyber attack that exposed millions of customer records earlier this year.

In its annual report, released today, Qantas revealed that the company had decided to adjust the remuneration package for its executives and CEO, Vanessa Hudson, as a consequence of the data breach. The move was made in recognition of the shared accountability among executives for failing to prevent the incident.

A Cyber Attack That Exposed Millions

In July, Qantas disclosed that a hacker had targeted its call centre, gaining access to a sensitive database containing six million names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers. The breach highlighted significant concerns about the airline's cybersecurity measures.

Although the investigations into this incident are still ongoing, Qantas has chosen to address the consequences of the cyber attack sooner rather than later. By reducing executive bonuses, the company is sending a clear message that accountability must be taken seriously in such situations.

The Impact on Executives

The adjustment to Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson's short-term bonus means she will now receive A$250,000 less for the year ended June 30. However, it's worth noting that Hudson earned a total of A$6.3 million for the year, an increase from her A$4.4 million remuneration last fiscal year.

A Profitable Recovery

Despite the setbacks, Qantas has reported a significant profit surge in fiscal 2025, with its earnings jumping nearly one-sixth compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to sustained post-pandemic recovery in domestic travel and improved macroeconomic conditions.

The airline's resilience and ability to navigate through challenging times are a testament to its strength and determination to serve its customers and shareholders.