Dave Henning
Senior Manager Aviation and Transport
31 Nevin Street, Aspley, Brisbane
Summary
As a highly competent people person, I possess exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills honed over three decades in the airline industry. My expertise lies in operating within customer-facing roles at a senior management level, where I have demonstrated dynamic leadership by steering large teams across multiple sites and bases. My track record as a results-based team leader is underpinned by a proven ability to lead, motivate, engage, and develop teams in customer service capacities. Additionally, my experience as an HR Generalist is marked by successful negotiations of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements for esteemed airlines such as Qantas, easyJet (UK), and Jetstar Airways.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Entity – Qantas Cabin Crew Australia (QCCA)
Qantas Airways
07.2021 - 08.2025
- Led strategic and operational delivery for Qantas flying program, overseeing a national workforce of over 3,500 cabin crew.
- Managed 16 direct reports, including Crew Leadership and Experience Managers, across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne bases.
- Ensured alignment with Qantas' service standards and business priorities through effective leadership.
- Drove crew strategies to support performance and service delivery.
- Influenced schedule development, training allocation, and operational movements.
- Successfully led complex Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations, securing sustainable outcomes.
- Strengthened industrial relations for Qantas cabin crew.
- Spearheaded the restart of cabin crew operations post-COVID, managing the return and retraining of crews to full readiness.
- Managed accommodation and transport logistics for international crew, ensuring seamless global operations support.
- Developed and implemented a new KPI framework for Onboard Managers to enhance accountability and service consistency.
- Advocated for diversity and inclusion, leading targeted recruitment strategies to embed these values across all crew bases.
Manager, Cabin Crew NSW & Domestic Operations
Jetstar Airways
07.2014 - 07.2021
- Managed the leadership and development of over 1,200 Cabin Crew members across Sydney and Queensland bases, ensuring top-notch operational performance.
- Spearheaded Customer Experience and Cabin Crew Operations strategies, focusing on cultural transformation, safety, and commercial success.
- Drove cultural change and enhanced capabilities through strategic coaching, leadership development programs, and effective performance management.
- Achieved operational excellence by improving crew performance in line with service standards and operational goals.
- Managed the commercial relationship with Altara, third-party Cabin Crew supplier, to ensure service quality and cost efficiency.
- Upheld stringent safety standards across domestic and international crew operations, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Country Manager – UK & Portugal
easyJet Airline Company
01.2013 - 07.2014
- Delivered operational and strategic initiatives across 12 UK and European bases as Country Manager, aligning with easyJet's brand and safety standards.
- Led large-scale cabin crew teams to achieve exceptional service performance, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
- Managed the full spectrum of cabin crew performance, engagement, and development, ensuring consistency and excellence in service delivery.
- Implemented innovative HR and line management practices that significantly enhanced crew engagement and satisfaction.
- Served as the principal liaison with local HR managers and business partners, balancing business needs with legislative compliance for crew terms and conditions.
- Successfully negotiated and executed a new two-year pay agreement in Lisbon, fostering a productive relationship with a newly established union.
Manager, Cabin Crew – Sydney Australia
Virgin Australia
02.2011 - 12.2012
- Managed the leadership and development of over 1,100 Cabin Crew and 15 Leader Cabin Crew, ensuring high standards of welfare and professional growth.
- Directed day-to-day cabin crew operations, prioritizing safety, customer service excellence, and team engagement.
- Spearheaded cultural transformation initiatives, aligning leadership practices with Virgin Australia's brand evolution.
- Implemented effective performance management systems and welfare support for a diverse crew, promoting a culture of accountability and excellence.
Vice President, Cabin Services – Lagos Nigeria
Arik Air
04.2010 - 02.2011
- Responsibility for all operational and strategic aspects of Cabin Services, encompassing Cabin Crew Management, Training, In-Flight Catering, Uniforms, and Executive Jet Operations.
- Served as the designated Post Holder for Arik Air, maintaining strict adherence to NCAA regulations and upholding cabin safety accountability.
- Led the development and enforcement of cabin safety training programs, aligning with the Cabin Crew Training Manual and NCAA standards.
- Achieved a successful IOSA audit for the Safety Training Department in 2010, affirming the airline's dedication to international safety benchmarks.
Senior Manager, Cabin Services
Virgin Atlantic Airways
05.1998 - 02.2010
- Strategically managed a workforce of over 5,000 Cabin Crew, ensuring adherence to Virgin Atlantic's brand and service excellence across the UK, Japan and India
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Directed industrial relations, successfully leading union negotiations and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Implemented innovative flexible working agreements, enhancing crew satisfaction and operational flexibility.
Senior Cabin Crew – In Charge
Virgin Atlantic
10.1989 - 05.1998
- Led onboard teams to ensure exceptional customer service on Virgin Atlantic's long-haul flights
- Managed safety protocols and emergency procedures on Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft
- Maintained high standards of service delivery, enhancing passenger experience
Education
O-level - Math’s, English, History, Music, French, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
St Anslem’s College
Basildon Essex UK01.1984
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft applications
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Head of Entity – Qantas Cabin Crew Australia (QCCA)
Qantas Airways
07.2021 - 08.2025
Manager, Cabin Crew NSW & Domestic Operations
Jetstar Airways
07.2014 - 07.2021
Country Manager – UK & Portugal
easyJet Airline Company
01.2013 - 07.2014
Manager, Cabin Crew – Sydney Australia
Virgin Australia
02.2011 - 12.2012
Vice President, Cabin Services – Lagos Nigeria
Arik Air
04.2010 - 02.2011
Senior Manager, Cabin Services
Virgin Atlantic Airways
05.1998 - 02.2010
Senior Cabin Crew – In Charge
Virgin Atlantic
10.1989 - 05.1998
O-level - Math’s, English, History, Music, French, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
St Anslem’s College
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