By Alex Mitchell in Canberra

RICHARD Goyder will quit as Qantas chairman next year as the under-fire airline continues repairing its damaged reputation.

Mr Goyder will retire  before the carrier’s annual general meeting of shareholders in October 2024, following a number of calls his position had become untenable.

He had insisted before the Senate late last month he still had the backing of 14 of the company’s 20 biggest shareholders, before pulling the pin on Wednesday morning.

Mr Goyder joins former CEO Alan Joyce in leaving the airline in recent months as it undergoes change.

“Qantas has gone through an incredibly difficult period since our operation was grounded during the pandemic,” he said.

“The recovery has not been easy and mistakes were made… we again apologise for those times where we got it wrong.”

Recent reputational blows for the airline include the High Court ruling it illegally sacked almost 1700 workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the consumer watchdog launching Federal Court action alleging it sold customers tickets on flights it had already cancelled.

The Senate has also probed what involvement Qantas had in the federal government blocking Qatar Airways’ bid to have more flights into Australia.

The airline is not out from under the microscope yet with the committee intending to summon Mr Joyce to give evidence once he returns to the country from overseas.

“As a board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust,” Mr Goyder said.

“Fundamentally, the group is in a very strong position to overcome its current challenges and deliver for all its stakeholders in the years ahead.”

Vanessa Hudson took over as CEO last month and the airline said it will work through a process to pick a new chairman.