The exodus of key Qantas Airways (ASX: QAN) executives continues as Virgin Blue (ASX:VBA) poached another senior staff of the flying kangaroo.

Virgin Blue today welcomed 40 year Qantas veteran, Roger Lindeman, as general manager service experience in early 2011.

Regarded as Qantas' most experienced executive in airport operations, Mr Lindeman commenced his airline career in 1968 with Qantas. His most recent role was head of airports customer experience.

"Roger's renowned customer service skills have won him many accolades and awards. He will be a huge asset to the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines," said Virgin Blue group executive of product and guest services, Martin Daley.

"He has dealt with many crises including the Asian tsunami; tragic bombings in Bali and the terrorist attacks in New York."

Mr Lindeman, having spent 14 years on overseas assignments, is the founding deputy chairman of Bali International Education Board, president of the Australian - Thai Chamber of Commerce (Bangkok), executive director of Australia Korea Business Council and Australia New Zealand Council, and an executive committee member of Singapore Australia Business Council.

In recent months, more than half a dozen key executives have exited Qantas to enter Virgin Blue under new boss John Borghetti, also a Qantas veteran.

Others to depart include Hope Antzoulatos, the head of network for domestic and international operations, Peter McLaughlin, most recently general manager of northern California and the western US, and Judith Crompton, the regional general manager for Britain and Ireland.

The turnover in senior staff at the flying kangaroo is seen as a blow to its key long-haul operations.

Qantas, as a countermove, poached Virgin Blue's former head of government relations, Tony Wheelens.