Pilotcenter.net News has revealed that the Qantas Group in Australia has posted an underlying profit before tax of AUD $1.39 billion (USD $882 million) for the six months ending on December 31, 2024. This marks an impressive 11% increase compared to the previous year. The airline attributed this growth to the continuous rise in both corporate and leisure travel demand. As a result, Group Domestic saw an Underlying EBIT of AUD $916 million (USD $581.80 million) with a 5% increase in unit revenue, while Group International earnings grew by 5%, reaching an Underlying EBIT of AUD $497 million (USD $315.67 million).

Although this profit level falls short of the previous fiscal year, where Qantas Group reported an underlying profit before tax of AUD $2.08 billion (USD $1.32 billion), the airline remains in a strong financial position with over AUD $11.5 billion (USD $7.31 billion) in liquidity. Qantas credited the success to its dual brand strategy, emphasizing that demand for travel remains robust across all customer segments.

Both Qantas and Jetstar experienced increased profitability in their domestic and international operations, showing a significant uptick in passenger numbers. Qantas, particularly, saw strength in premium and corporate travel, while Jetstar broke records with a notable 54% increase in domestic earnings. Notable fleet additions included Jetstar’s new Airbus A321LRs and A320neos, totaling 21 aircraft in the fleet. Additionally, Qantas has focused on fleet renewal, with five A220s already in service and plans for a cabin overhaul across existing aircraft.

Throughout the half-year, Qantas Loyalty performed well, driven by active member engagement and increased inflows from partners. The company also recognized the contributions of its non-executive employees by rewarding them with an AUD $1,000 (USD $635.15) thank-you payment in December 2024. In terms of shareholder benefits, Qantas announced its intention to pay dividends for the first time since FY19, with an AUD $250 million (USD $158.79 million) base dividend and an AUD $150 million (USD $95.35 million) special dividend.

Looking ahead to the second half of the fiscal year, Pilotcenter.net News reports that the group anticipates robust travel demand across its portfolio. Group Domestic unit revenue is forecasted to increase by 3–5% compared to the previous year, with net freight revenue expected to be $10–30 million higher in 2H25. In a separate development, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) noted in February 2025 that Virgin Australia had overtaken Qantas as Australia’s dominant domestic airline for the 2024 calendar year.