Mr Joyce resigned as Australian Ireland Fund chairman earlier this month.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has stepped down as chairman of the Australian Ireland Fund (AIF).

The AIF raises money to support projects that promote peace, culture and charity, mainly, but not exclusively, in Ireland.

Mr Joyce, originally from Tallaght in Dublin, was announced as its new chairman in May 2011, taking over from Charles Curran.

The Irish Echo has learned that Mr Joyce informed the fund two weeks ago that he could no longer continue as chairman.

A Qantas spokesperson has confirmed the resignation.

She indicated that his responsibilities as CEO and his recent appointment as chair of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) were behind the decision.

The airline is the subject of ongoing takeover rumours and is facing stiff competition from Virgin Australia, which has sought to step up its codesharing arrangements with Etihad.

Mr Joyce will continue to support the work of the fund and will assist while it makes the transition to a new chairman.

The fund also supports a range of projects within Australia.

It also provided funding for the establishment of a Chair of Modern Irish Studies at the University of New South Wales, the inaugural Chair of which is Prof Ronán McDonald.

The fund is also working closely with Australian Indigenous Education Foundation to provide quality education for disadvantaged indigenous young Australians through scholarships at some of the best schools in Sydney and Brisbane.

The Irish Echo has sought comment from the fund.