Healthy demand across key markets and strong domestic performances has led to a record year for Qantas. It reported an Underlying Profit Before Tax of A$1.6 billion for the 2018 financial year.
“Our investment in free Wi-Fi and cabin improvements are delivering a better experience for customers as well as higher earnings for Qantas and Jetstar. The overall value for the travelling public remains extremely strong, with domestic sale fares almost 40 percent lower in real terms than they were 15 years ago,” said Qantas’ CEO Alan Joyce.
With this buoyant report, Qantas also announced several investments. It
Brisbane will have an expanded Qantas lounge.
will extend its global lounge upgrade programme to support demand for premium travel across six additional airports including Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Tokyo, Tamworth and Hobart.
The Qantas Group also committed to a second Pilot Academy facility that will help meet the global demand for skills with continued growth in the aviation sector. The facility is also aimed at creating a “centre of excellence to train pilots for airlines throughout the region”.
Qantas has set aside a total of A$20 million towards the establishment of the two facilities in 2019 and 2020. Locations of the academies will be announced in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Qantas fleet also received an upgrade with six new 787-9s for Qantas International, accelerating the retirement of the remaining 747s, a major upgrade of the A380 cabins, and 18 new A321LR NEOs for Jetstar.
