Alan Joyce remains optimistic about Qantas' prospects

It has not been an easy ride for Qantas Airways CEO Alan Joyce since he took over at the helm of the Australian carrier in November 2008.

He ran smack into the headwinds caused by the high fuel prices and economic downturn, and as capacity into the country increased despite the slowdown. Undoubtedly, there are numerous challenges facing Qantas.

Yet, the man who appears on this month's cover of Airline Business magazine is confident that the carrier is doing whatever is needed to emerge stronger. It has unveiled a fleet revamp, growing its domestic capacity and using low-cost subsidiary Jetstar to expand regionally.

It remains to be seen if this will prove to be a successful strategy, but Joyce is certainly optimistic about the future. Let's wait and see if he is proven correct.