Qantas Reports $1.4 Billion Half-Year Profit and Resumes Dividends

The airline's strong financial performance is driven by surging travel demand and Jetstar's growth, but concerns about worker conditions and market competition persist.

• Qantas posted a $1.4 billion underlying profit before tax for the half-year ending December 31, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
• The company announced its first dividend payments since 2019, totaling $400 million, including base and special dividends.
• Jetstar, Qantas' budget airline, saw a 35% rise in earnings, supported by increased capacity and the addition of new aircraft to its fleet.
• Critics highlight ongoing issues such as stagnant employee wages, aging aircraft, and the airline's focus on shareholder returns over workforce investment.
• Qantas maintains a dominant 64% share of Australia's domestic market, raising calls for regulatory intervention to address limited competition and high airfares.

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