Ушел из жизни основатель Airline Intelligence и бывший экономист Qantas Тони Уэббер

Tributes are pouring in from the aviation industry after the loss of Dr Tony Webber, CEO and founder of Airline Intelligence & Research and former Qantas chief economist, from prostate cancer. “We are so heartbroken,” his family post on LinkedIn. “Our loving husband and dad passed away yesterday morning after a very long and courageous fight with cancer. We are so proud of him and his wish to fight to stay with us this long. We will love him forever and are devastated.” In a profile piece in the Australian Financial Review in 2020, he told senior writer Jill Margo that although he was let down by the measures designed to protect him against prostate cancer, he blamed no one but himself for his stage IV condition, the most advanced stage of the disease. In the profile he disclosed details of his case in the hope that it might enlighten other men. CATO’s Brett Jardine has also been open about his own fight with the disease. Not retiring, just taking a break: Brett Jardine on staying connected In 2011, Dr Webber was chief economist at Qantas when the company decided to sent its top 100 executives for a full medical check-up. While he was told he was in good health, CEO Alan Joyce was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Webber moved on from Qantas and set up Airline Intelligence and Research, a consultancy that houses one of the biggest private aviation operational and financial databases in the world. He also wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald and, as an associate professor, taught on the MBA program at Sydney University’s Business School. Tributes In mourning the loss, industry leaders, former students and colleagues including former and current Sydney Airport executives Christina Werkstetter and Josh Clements. “Tony was a real force in our industry – rigorous, whip-smart and never afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” Werkstetter wrote. “His research always managed to cut through the noise and bring clarity to complex aviation issues, which really stood out in a sector where commentary is often loud, but not always well-informed. “He will be greatly missed in the aviation community – not just for his contributions but for the fantastic human he was. Sending my thoughts to his family. Added Sydney Airport Corporate Affairs general manager Clements: “One of the best. An amazing intellect and a genuinely good human. Sending love and thoughts to Tony’s family.” Melbourne Airport senior analyst Paddy Lu said: “It was a privilege to work with him for a short period of time; he was always supportive and insightful. “Tony taught me a lot in such a limited time, and so sad I wasn’t able to meet him in person,” he wrote. Dash 8 Q400 first officer Clayton Lie said Webber was his first univeristy lecturer at UNSW. “Tony was so passionate about aviation and his excitement to teach and pass on knowledge was contagious. He will be greatly missed.” Kerry-Anne Baxter wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss Cissi, Jesper and Lukas. Tony was truly one of a kind. His thinking, teaching and economic insights reached many people and his passing is a real loss. It’s hard to believe his battle to stay with you is over. Thinking of you all.”