Qantas Reports $1.39 Billion Profit and Resumes Dividends After Five-Year Hiatus
Strong demand for budget travel and loyalty programs drive earnings, with Jetstar contributing significantly to growth.
- Qantas announced an $1.39 billion pre-tax profit for the six months ending December 31, 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year.
- The airline declared its first dividend since 2019, with $250 million in base dividends and $150 million in special dividends, both fully franked.
- Jetstar, Qantas's low-cost carrier, saw a 35% rise in earnings, driven by an 8% increase in capacity and the addition of eight new aircraft.
- Qantas experienced a 2.5% growth in demand for premium cabins on international routes, while broader capacity increases led to a 6.6% average reduction in airfares.
- CEO Vanessa Hudson acknowledged ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust following past scandals and emphasized continued strong travel demand despite cost-of-living pressures.