The airline group’s results also showed a significant decrease in the average international fare, which is down by 6.6 per cent compared to the same period last financial year, despite a 2.5 per cent increase in passengers in higher class cabins, from premium economy upwards.
On average domestic airfares are up slightly, by 0.8 per cent.
The underlying before tax profit for the airline group, which operates both Qantas and Jetstar, was $1.39 billion, up 11 per cent, while the statutory profit after tax was $923 million, up six per cent.
Qantas’ Net Promoter Score – widely regarded as an indication of customer loyalty – was up by 13 points, while Jetstar’s Net Promoter Score was up by nine.
The carrier’s results flag a strong demand for corporate travel as well as record numbers carried by Jetstar.
“The Group’s performance highlights the benefits of having both a premium and a low fares airline and a strong loyalty program,” said Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson.
“We’re seeing progress from the investments we are making for our customers and people but we know there’s more work to do to consistently deliver in the moments that matter. This is a key part of rebuilding trust and continues to be our focus.”
Alongside its financial performance, the airline group received 11 new aircraft in the first half of the current financial year and expects to receive another seven in the second half of the year. New aircraft include the A220, which has more seats, burns less fuel and has twice the flying range of the older aircraft that it replaces.
In addition, Qantas is projecting to have its final two A380 aircraft back in service by the end of 2025.
Today the airline also announced cabin refits for 42 737 aircraft, including new business and economy seats and larger overhead lockers.
As part of its results announcement, the airline revealed it gave 27,000 non-executive staff a $1,000 thank you payment in December and will return a dividend to shareholders for the first time since the 2019 financial year.
Looking ahead, Qantas says travel demand is strong and it will continue to grow both its domestic and international capacity, with international capacity in particular growing by double figures over this year.
Qantas also confirmed its Project Sunrise aircraft, which will yield non-stop services from Australia’s east coast to London and New York, are expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of the next financial year.
