🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 179 (from laksa196)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa179.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/business-advice\/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition\/","crawl_time":1775980553,"first_indexed_time":1756779535,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"au,com,smartcompany!www,\/business-advice\/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition\/ s443","src_root_hash":"14071087078056741579","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Billionaire says more airline competition should challenge Qantas","meta_descriptions":["After his Sydney-Los Angeles flight was delayed, AirTrunk founder Robin Khuda says more international competition for Qantas is needed."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"International airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas,\nsays AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda,\nafter claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed.\nTaking to\nLinkedIn\non Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times.\nData from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule.\nSmartCompany\nunderstands a mechanical issue caused the delay.\nKhuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time.\nSmarter business news. Straight to your inbox.\nFor startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free.\nBy continuing, you agree to our\nTerms & Conditions\nand\nPrivacy Policy\n.\nRelated Article Block Placeholder\nArticle ID: 313748\nQF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing.\n“It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn.\n“3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.”\nKhuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.”\nInternational competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added.\n“Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said.\nAfter this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told\nSmartCompany\nhe missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination.\nOther delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights.\nIn a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder.\n“We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said.\nSky-high competition\nRelated Article Block Placeholder\nArticle ID: 320258\nKhuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally\nbegan its partnership with Qatar Airlines\n, operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.\nThe partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers.\nBut after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale.\nQantas reported pre-tax profits of $2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of $331 million.\nThat is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service.\nAfter struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent\nCOVID-affected years\n, Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service.\nIn its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.”\nThe carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets.\n“Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government.\nKhuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas.\nOne commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose\npersonal fortune was estimated at $2.5 billion\nafter selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for $23 billion sale last year.\n“Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said.\n“Fly private”.","attrs_markdown":"[Get unlimited access. Subscribe today.](http:\/\/campaigns.smartcompany.com.au\/subscribe)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/campaigns.smartcompany.com.au\/subscribe \"Subscribe\")\n\n[![SmartCompany](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/themes\/smart-company\/assets\/svgs\/logos\/core.svg)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/)\n\n[![My Account Icon](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/themes\/private-media-core\/assets\/svgs\/outlined\/my-account.svg) Log in](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/business-advice\/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition\/ \"Log in\")\n\n[View all search results](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/?s \"View all search results\")\n\n[![Icon](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/themes\/private-media-core\/assets\/svgs\/outlined\/search.svg)Search](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/business-advice\/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition\/ \"Search\")\n\n- [Business Advice](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/business-advice\/)\n- [Startups](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/startupsmart\/)\n- [Tax](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/tax\/)\n- [Finance](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/finance\/)\n- [Economy](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/economy\/)\n- [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/artificial-intelligence\/)\n- [Entrepreneurs](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/entrepreneurs\/)\n- [Industrial Relations](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/industrial-relations\/)\n- [Growth](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/growth\/)\n- [Marketing](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/marketing\/)\n- [Opinion](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/opinion\/)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/technology\/)\n- [People](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/)\n- [Partner Content](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/partner-content\/)\n  - 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Source: Supplied.\n\nInternational airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas, [says AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda,](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/finance\/airtrunks-23-billion-acquisition-sale-buoys-south-asian-australian-startups\/) after claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed.\n\nTaking to [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/activity-7368193832510738432-g0Ea\/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAwsg1UBShco8qy_fAdxotKGDR6vDNga6Aw) on Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times.\n\nData from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule.\n\n*SmartCompany* understands a mechanical issue caused the delay.\n\nKhuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time.\n\n## Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox.\nFor startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free.\n\nBy continuing, you agree to our [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/terms-conditions\/) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/privacy-policy\/).\n\nRelated Article Block Placeholder  Article ID: 313748\n\n[![“Only getting started”: After \\$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/03\/Robin-Khuda-Founder-CEO-AirTrunk-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program\/)\n\n[“Only getting started”: After \\$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program\/)\n\n[Mrinaal Datt](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/mrinaal-datt\/ \"Mrinaal Datt\")\n\nQF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing.\n\n“It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn.\n\n“3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.”\n\nKhuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.”\n\nInternational competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added.\n\n“Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said.\n\nAfter this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told *SmartCompany* he missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination.\n\nOther delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights.\n\nIn a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder.\n\n“We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said.\n\n## Sky-high competition\nRelated Article Block Placeholder  Article ID: 320258\n\n[![Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/20250709121657009730-original-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/artificial-intelligence\/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications\/)\n\n[Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/artificial-intelligence\/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications\/)\n\n[Tegan Jones](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/tegan-jones\/ \"Tegan Jones\")  AND  [David Adams](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/david-adams\/ \"David Adams\")\n\nKhuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally [began its partnership with Qatar Airlines](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/finance\/virgin-australia-qatar-airways-deal-small-medium-enterprises\/), operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.\n\nThe partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers.\n\nBut after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale.\n\nQantas reported pre-tax profits of \\$2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of \\$331 million.\n\nThat is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service.\n\nAfter struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent [COVID-affected years](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/flight-cancellations-lost-luggage-qantas-crisis\/), Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service.\n\nIn its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.”\n\nThe carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets.\n\n“Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government.\n\nKhuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas.\n\nOne commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose [personal fortune was estimated at \\$2.5 billion](https:\/\/www.theaustralian.com.au\/business\/technology\/weve-only-just-begun-robin-khudas-100bn-vow-for-airtrunk\/news-story\/5a9d75c8656154aa030dec33baa4f927) after selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for \\$23 billion sale last year.\n\n“Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said.\n\n“Fly private”.\n\n#### Stay in the know\n*Never miss a story: sign up to* SmartCompany’s [*free daily newsletter*](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/newsletters\/) *and find our best stories on* [*LinkedIn*](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/smartcompany).\n\n### About the author\n[![David Adams](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/11\/Smartcompany-David-Adams-headshot_edc83a-e1732420320397.webp?quality=70&w=160)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/david-adams\/ \"David Adams\")\n\n[David Adams](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/david-adams\/)\n\nSenior Business Journalist\n\nFocused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn.\n\n### Similar topics\n[airlines](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/tag\/airlines\/ \"airlines\")\n\n[AirTrunk](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/tag\/airtrunk\/ \"AirTrunk\")\n\n[qantas](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/tag\/qantas\/ \"qantas\")\n\n[Robin Khuda](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/tag\/robin-khuda\/ \"Robin Khuda\")\n\n### Comments\n[![Comment](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/themes\/private-media-core\/assets\/svgs\/outlined\/comment.svg) 0](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/business-advice\/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition\/#comments-322458 \"Comment count\")\n\nHide\n\n### Recommended for you\n[![AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda levels up end-of-year gifting with \\$65,000 employee bonuses](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/Celebratory-61.png?quality=70&w=1920)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-end-of-year-gifting-65000-employee-bonuses\/)\n\n[AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda levels up end-of-year gifting with \\$65,000 employee bonuses](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-end-of-year-gifting-65000-employee-bonuses\/)\n\n[Mrinaal Datt](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/mrinaal-datt\/ \"Mrinaal Datt\")\n\nDec 10, 2024\n\n[![“Transformational”: AirTrunk’s Robin Khuda donates \\$100 million for women in STEM](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/02\/cq5dam.web_.1440.941.2x-1.jpg?quality=70&w=1920)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-robin-khuda-donates-100-million-women-in-stem\/)\n\n[“Transformational”: AirTrunk’s Robin Khuda donates \\$100 million for women in STEM](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-robin-khuda-donates-100-million-women-in-stem\/)\n\n[Mrinaal Datt](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/mrinaal-datt\/ \"Mrinaal Datt\")\n\nFeb 5, 2025\n\n[![AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda’s \\$100 million donation comes at a pivotal time for DEI](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/02\/cq5dam.web_.1440.970.2x-1.jpg?quality=70&w=1920)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-100-million-stem-donation-pivotal-dei\/)\n\n[AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda’s \\$100 million donation comes at a pivotal time for DEI](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-100-million-stem-donation-pivotal-dei\/)\n\n[Mrinaal Datt](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/author\/mrinaal-datt\/ \"Mrinaal Datt\")\n\nFeb 6, 2025\n\n[Upcoming events](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-and-training\/)\n\n[View All](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-and-training\/ \"Upcoming events view all link\")\n\n### April\nTue 14\n\n[Reboot small business webinars](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-training\/reboot-small-business-webinars\/)\n\nJoin our free, future-focused lunchtime learning sessions and gain the skills, confidence and practical tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.\n### June\nThu 18\n\n[Growth Summit \\| Sydney 2026](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-training\/growth-summit-sydney-2026\/)\n\nPresented by SmartCompany and Startup Daily, Growth Summit is one action-packed day dedicated to real-world growth for both startups and SMEs.\n### July\nWed 01\n\n[Risk-Based Leadership™ Development Program](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-training\/risk-based-leadership-development-program\/)\n\nSupervisors and operational leaders are often promoted based on technical capability, yet are expected to make high-stakes decisions, manage risk and lead teams in complex environments with limited formal development.\n\nThu 23\n\n[The Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) 2026](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/events-training\/the-australia-post-online-retail-industry-awards-orias-2026\/)\n\nThe Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) celebrate excellence in eCommerce, recognising the most innovative and successful online retailers across Australia in the last 12 months. Each year, the ORIAS…\n\nBack to top\n\n[![SmartCompany](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/themes\/smart-company\/assets\/svgs\/logos\/core.svg)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/)\n\nSmartCompany is the leading online publication in Australia for free news, information and resources catering to Australia’s entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers.\n\n#### Follow SmartCompany\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/about\/)\n- [Our Team](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/our-team\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/advertising-partnerships\/)\n\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/contact-us\/)\n- [How to Contribute](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/contribute\/)\n\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/code-conduct\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/terms-conditions\/)\n\n#### Acknowledgement of Country\nSmartCompany acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the many nations across Australia, and pay our respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that their sovereignty has never been ceded.\n\nCopyright © 2026 Private Media Pty Ltd.\n\n[Crikey](https:\/\/www.crikey.com.au\/ \"Crikey\")   [The Mandarin](https:\/\/www.themandarin.com.au\/ \"The Mandarin\")   [Private Media](https:\/\/www.privatemedia.com.au\/ \"Private Media\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"International airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas, [says AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda,](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/finance\/airtrunks-23-billion-acquisition-sale-buoys-south-asian-australian-startups\/) after claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed.\n\nTaking to [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/activity-7368193832510738432-g0Ea\/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAwsg1UBShco8qy_fAdxotKGDR6vDNga6Aw) on Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times.\n\nData from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule.\n\n*SmartCompany* understands a mechanical issue caused the delay.\n\nKhuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time.\n\n## Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox.\nFor startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free.\n\nBy continuing, you agree to our [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/terms-conditions\/) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/privacy-policy\/).\n\nRelated Article Block Placeholder  Article ID: 313748\n\n[![“Only getting started”: After \\$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/03\/Robin-Khuda-Founder-CEO-AirTrunk-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program\/)\n\nQF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing.\n\n“It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn.\n\n“3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.”\n\nKhuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.”\n\nInternational competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added.\n\n“Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said.\n\nAfter this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told *SmartCompany* he missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination.\n\nOther delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights.\n\nIn a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder.\n\n“We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said.\n\n## Sky-high competition\nRelated Article Block Placeholder  Article ID: 320258\n\n[![Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https:\/\/assets.smartcompany.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/20250709121657009730-original-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/artificial-intelligence\/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications\/)\n\nKhuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally [began its partnership with Qatar Airlines](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/finance\/virgin-australia-qatar-airways-deal-small-medium-enterprises\/), operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.\n\nThe partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers.\n\nBut after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale.\n\nQantas reported pre-tax profits of \\$2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of \\$331 million.\n\nThat is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service.\n\nAfter struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent [COVID-affected years](https:\/\/www.smartcompany.com.au\/people-human-resources\/flight-cancellations-lost-luggage-qantas-crisis\/), Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service.\n\nIn its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.”\n\nThe carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets.\n\n“Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government.\n\nKhuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas.\n\nOne commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose [personal fortune was estimated at \\$2.5 billion](https:\/\/www.theaustralian.com.au\/business\/technology\/weve-only-just-begun-robin-khudas-100bn-vow-for-airtrunk\/news-story\/5a9d75c8656154aa030dec33baa4f927) after selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for \\$23 billion sale last year.\n\n“Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said.\n\n“Fly private”.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Billionaire says more airline competition should challenge Qantas
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Boilerpipe Text	International airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas, says AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda, after claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed. Taking to LinkedIn on Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times. Data from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule. SmartCompany understands a mechanical issue caused the delay. Khuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time. Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox. For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free. By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 313748 QF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing. “It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.” Khuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.” International competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added. “Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said. After this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told SmartCompany he missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination. Other delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights. In a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder. “We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said. Sky-high competition Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 320258 Khuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally began its partnership with Qatar Airlines , operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers. But after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale. Qantas reported pre-tax profits of $2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of $331 million. That is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service. After struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent COVID-affected years , Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service. In its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.” The carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets. “Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government. Khuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas. One commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose personal fortune was estimated at $2.5 billion after selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for $23 billion sale last year. “Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said. “Fly private”.
Markdown	[Get unlimited access. 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Facebook X LinkedIn Bluesky Copy to Clipboard Copy [Business Advice](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/ "Business Advice") # Billionaire says more airline competition needed to challenge Qantas AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda has used LinkedIn to blast Qantas over poor customer service. [![David Adams](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/Smartcompany-David-Adams-headshot_edc83a-e1732420320397.webp?quality=70&w=160)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/david-adams/) [David Adams](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/david-adams/ "David Adams") Sep 2, 2025 3 min read [![Icon](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/themes/private-media-core/assets/svgs/outlined/share.svg)Share](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition/ "Share") [![Comment](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/themes/private-media-core/assets/svgs/outlined/comment.svg) 0](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition/#comments-322458 "Comment count") ![AirTrunk Robin Khuda social impact program](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/Robin-Khuda-Founder-CEO-AirTrunk-1.jpg?quality=70&w=1024) AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda. Source: Supplied. International airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas, [says AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda,](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/airtrunks-23-billion-acquisition-sale-buoys-south-asian-australian-startups/) after claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed. Taking to [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7368193832510738432-g0Ea/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAwsg1UBShco8qy_fAdxotKGDR6vDNga6Aw) on Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times. Data from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule. SmartCompany understands a mechanical issue caused the delay. Khuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time. ## Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox. For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free. By continuing, you agree to our [Terms & Conditions](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/terms-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/privacy-policy/). Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 313748 [![“Only getting started”: After \$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/Robin-Khuda-Founder-CEO-AirTrunk-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program/) [“Only getting started”: After \$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program/) [Mrinaal Datt](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/mrinaal-datt/ "Mrinaal Datt") QF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing. “It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.” Khuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.” International competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added. “Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said. After this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told SmartCompany he missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination. Other delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights. In a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder. “We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said. ## Sky-high competition Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 320258 [![Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/07/20250709121657009730-original-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications/) [Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications/) [Tegan Jones](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/tegan-jones/ "Tegan Jones") AND [David Adams](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/david-adams/ "David Adams") Khuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally [began its partnership with Qatar Airlines](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/virgin-australia-qatar-airways-deal-small-medium-enterprises/), operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers. But after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale. Qantas reported pre-tax profits of \$2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of \$331 million. That is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service. After struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent [COVID-affected years](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/flight-cancellations-lost-luggage-qantas-crisis/), Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service. In its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.” The carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets. “Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government. Khuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas. One commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose [personal fortune was estimated at \$2.5 billion](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/weve-only-just-begun-robin-khudas-100bn-vow-for-airtrunk/news-story/5a9d75c8656154aa030dec33baa4f927) after selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for \$23 billion sale last year. “Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said. “Fly private”. #### Stay in the know Never miss a story: sign up to SmartCompany’s [free daily newsletter](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/newsletters/) and find our best stories on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartcompany). ### About the author [![David Adams](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/Smartcompany-David-Adams-headshot_edc83a-e1732420320397.webp?quality=70&w=160)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/david-adams/ "David Adams") [David Adams](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/david-adams/) Senior Business Journalist Focused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn. ### Similar topics [airlines](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/tag/airlines/ "airlines") [AirTrunk](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/tag/airtrunk/ "AirTrunk") [qantas](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/tag/qantas/ "qantas") [Robin Khuda](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/tag/robin-khuda/ "Robin Khuda") ### Comments [![Comment](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/themes/private-media-core/assets/svgs/outlined/comment.svg) 0](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/khuda-qantas-complaints-international-competition/#comments-322458 "Comment count") Hide ### Recommended for you [![AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda levels up end-of-year gifting with \$65,000 employee bonuses](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/Celebratory-61.png?quality=70&w=1920)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-end-of-year-gifting-65000-employee-bonuses/) [AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda levels up end-of-year gifting with \$65,000 employee bonuses](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-end-of-year-gifting-65000-employee-bonuses/) [Mrinaal Datt](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/mrinaal-datt/ "Mrinaal Datt") Dec 10, 2024 [![“Transformational”: AirTrunk’s Robin Khuda donates \$100 million for women in STEM](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/cq5dam.web_.1440.941.2x-1.jpg?quality=70&w=1920)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-robin-khuda-donates-100-million-women-in-stem/) [“Transformational”: AirTrunk’s Robin Khuda donates \$100 million for women in STEM](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-robin-khuda-donates-100-million-women-in-stem/) [Mrinaal Datt](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/mrinaal-datt/ "Mrinaal Datt") Feb 5, 2025 [![AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda’s \$100 million donation comes at a pivotal time for DEI](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/cq5dam.web_.1440.970.2x-1.jpg?quality=70&w=1920)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-100-million-stem-donation-pivotal-dei/) [AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda’s \$100 million donation comes at a pivotal time for DEI](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/airtrunk-ceo-robin-khuda-100-million-stem-donation-pivotal-dei/) [Mrinaal Datt](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/author/mrinaal-datt/ "Mrinaal Datt") Feb 6, 2025 [Upcoming events](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/events-and-training/) [View All](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/events-and-training/ "Upcoming events view all link") ### April Tue 14 [Reboot small business webinars](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/events-training/reboot-small-business-webinars/) Join our free, future-focused lunchtime learning sessions and gain the skills, confidence and practical tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital environment. ### June Thu 18 [Growth Summit \\| Sydney 2026](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/events-training/growth-summit-sydney-2026/) Presented by SmartCompany and Startup Daily, Growth Summit is one action-packed day dedicated to real-world growth for both startups and SMEs. ### July Wed 01 [Risk-Based Leadership™ Development Program](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/events-training/risk-based-leadership-development-program/) Supervisors and operational leaders are often promoted based on technical capability, yet are expected to make high-stakes decisions, manage risk and lead teams in complex environments with limited formal development. 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Readable Markdown	International airlines should operate more services to and from Australia to challenge Qantas, [says AirTrunk founder and billionaire Robin Khuda,](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/airtrunks-23-billion-acquisition-sale-buoys-south-asian-australian-startups/) after claiming his Monday flight to Los Angeles was repeatedly delayed. Taking to [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7368193832510738432-g0Ea/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAwsg1UBShco8qy_fAdxotKGDR6vDNga6Aw) on Monday afternoon, Khuda said his Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles flight, scheduled for departure at 5:45pm, was pushed back three times. Data from airline tracking service FlightAware shows the QF11 service ultimately departed at 7.33pm, nearly two hours behind schedule. SmartCompany understands a mechanical issue caused the delay. Khuda feared the delays would likely cause him to miss a connecting flight between Los Angeles and Seattle, scheduled for 5:36pm local time. ## Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox. For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free. By continuing, you agree to our [Terms & Conditions](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/terms-conditions/) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/privacy-policy/). Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 313748 [![“Only getting started”: After \$24 billion sale, AirTrunk marks 10 years in business with social impact program](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/Robin-Khuda-Founder-CEO-AirTrunk-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/24-billion-sale-airtrunk-marks-10-years-business-social-impact-program/) QF11 touched down in Los Angeles at 4.30pm local time, two hours after its scheduled 2.25pm landing. “It’s hard to get excited about flying Qantas – old outdated planes, never on time,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “3 delays in same afternoon (and maybe more to come?) and will probably miss my connecting flight and dealing with stress.” Khuda argued Qantas put “record profit before basic customer service”, which he believes is “a recipe for a long-term disaster of our national airline.” International competitors should be encouraged to fly more services into and out of Australia, sparking further competition for the Australian carrier, he added. “Let’s bring more flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to improve customer services out of Australia,” he said. After this report was first published Tuesday morning, Khuda told SmartCompany he missed his originally scheduled connecting flight, and instead pushed out to a later flight to his final destination. Other delayed QF11 passengers were also moved to later flights. In a statement provided after first publication, a Qantas spokesperson said the airline has contacted the AirTrunk founder. “We appreciate this would have been a really frustrating experience for Mr Khuda and have reached out to him to apologise and understand how we can improve our customer service in situations like this moving forward,” they said. ## Sky-high competition Related Article Block Placeholder Article ID: 320258 [![Qantas using AI for email to hack victims a “risky move”](https://assets.smartcompany.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/07/20250709121657009730-original-1.jpg?quality=70&w=300)](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/qantas-chatgpt-statement-reputation-crisis-communications/) Khuda’s recommendation comes three months after Australia’s Virgin Airlines formally [began its partnership with Qatar Airlines](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/virgin-australia-qatar-airways-deal-small-medium-enterprises/), operating services to Doha — a major transit hub connecting Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The partnership is tipped to provide more competition to Qantas for business travelers and holidaymakers. But after its 2020 collapse, a US private equity buyout, and its recent listing on the ASX, Virgin Airlines, has some way to go before its international network reaches Qantas’ scale. Qantas reported pre-tax profits of \$2.39 billion in its latest annual report, compared to Virgin’s net profits after tax of \$331 million. That is not to say Qantas is totally naive to public concerns over its customer service. After struggling with service delays and lost baggage in recent [COVID-affected years](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people-human-resources/flight-cancellations-lost-luggage-qantas-crisis/), Qantas itself has acknowledged the continued reputational risk of poor customer service. In its annual results, Qantas said, “frequent cancellations, poor on-time performance (OTP), and mishandled baggage could negatively impact customer satisfaction and harm the Group’s reputation.” The carrier is also wary of other market participants, particularly those with deep pockets. “Australia’s aviation policies, which favour competition, attract international competitors (predominantly state-sponsored airlines),” it said, referencing carriers like Qatar Airlines — which is fully owned by the Qatari government. Khuda’s post has resonated with followers on LinkedIn, a historical hotbed of complaints about Qantas. One commenter had different advice for Khuda, whose [personal fortune was estimated at \$2.5 billion](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/weve-only-just-begun-robin-khudas-100bn-vow-for-airtrunk/news-story/5a9d75c8656154aa030dec33baa4f927) after selling the Sydney-based AirTrunk for \$23 billion sale last year. “Mate you are a billionaire now,” the poster said. “Fly private”.
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