where did qantas go wrong? , page-3

Qantas went wrong when through sheer arrogance in the 80's and 90's they refused to match the level of service and lower prices on international carriers such as Cathay and United - this left the window open for others such as Emirates and others to follow.

Domestically they relied on the Govt. contracts and employees who mostly flew Qantas till the late 90's when even the most closeted public servant realised Virgin was cheaper - Jetstar came too late and provided such a poor service that it was a joke,(only beaten by Tiger), you actually had to run down the aisle to get a decent seat.
Then we come to the unions and maintenance costs in Australia - enough said there - Holden and Ford know all about that.

Apart from that I can't think of anything else - except of course they haven't paid a dividend for yonks.

They'll be around a while yet though - as a cheap SE Asian holiday provider.