Underlying before-tax profit was also up by 15 per cent to $2.39 billion.
The airline’s net capital expenditure is up significantly too – by 22 per cent – with the airline receiving 17 new aircraft over the year.
Customer satisfaction was also up across both Qantas and Jetstar, with the customer net promoter score for the full service airline increasing by 10 points, while the low budget carrier’s NPS increased by six points.
“For everyone across the Qantas Group, this year has been all about delivery,” said Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson.
“While we are pleased with the progress we are making, we remain focused on further improving our performance and continuing to deliver for our customers, people and shareholders.
“Continuing strong demand across all market segments, combined with our dual brand strategy, helped the group grow earnings.
“Qantas and Jetstar carried four million more customers during the year, while our loyalty business grew as frequent flyers engaged with the program more than ever before.
“Our strong financial performance is enabling significant investment in new aircraft and customer initiatives, helping deliver better operational performance and customer satisfaction across both airlines.”
For the financial year just started, Qantas is expecting to see growth in both revenue and capacity, domestically and internationally, as travel demand remains robust.
Domestic revenue is expected to rise by up to five per cent in the first half of FY26, while international revenue is anticipated to rise up to three per cent.
Domestic seat capacity is expected to jump by five or six per cent per quarter over this financial year, although more of that will be within the Jetstar offering rather than Qantas.
For international services, the full-service offering of Qantas will enjoy the bulk of the capacity increase with jumps of six to nine per cent per quarter forecast over the year.
“Looking ahead, there is a lot to be excited about,” said Hudson.
“This year will see an acceleration of Qantas’ domestic fleet renewal and in the coming years we’ll take delivery of additional A321XLR aircraft fitted with lie-flat business seats.
“We will also be using more sustainable aviation fuel from overseas airports while we continue efforts with government and industry to establish a SAF industry in Australia.
“Direct flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York are also a step closer to reality, with the first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR aircraft to enter the final assembly line in the coming months and the first aircraft delivery expected in October next year.”
As part of its results announcement, Qantas flagged that it had put in an order for 20 more Airbus A321XLR aircraft, 16 of which will have lie-flat business class seats, a first for narrow-body Qantas planes.
The A321XLR aircraft has a much longer flying range than the aircraft it replaces, able to travel 8,700km, opening new routes for Qantas in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
