New updates:
Results Overview – Comments from Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson:
"As we enter an exciting new era for the Qantas Group, our focus continues to be on delivering for our customers, employees and shareholders. By consistently delivering strong earnings growth we're able to continue investing in the largest fleet renewal in our history.
“We're already seeing the benefits from the next generation aircraft that are flying, which along with strong demand, our dual brand strategy and expanding Loyalty business, helped us deliver another strong result.
"These new aircraft are not only improving the experience for our customers and opening up new opportunities for our people, they’re also helping drive our financial performance.
"Around 60 per cent of Jetstar's increase in profitability in the half was driven by its new aircraft, through a combination of growth, new network opportunities and the redeployment of existing aircraft onto other routes.
"This gives us confidence in the benefits that will flow once Qantas’ new aircraft reach scale. We've already started to see an acceleration in deliveries for Qantas, with six new aircraft arriving in the half and a further 30 arriving over the next 18 months.
"Some of these new aircraft will replace older aircraft, while some will support growth by opening up new routes, like the ultra long range A350s, which will operate Project Sunrise flights.
“Along with the investment we are making in our customers and people, we are also increasing returns to shareholders. The Board has approved a $300 million fully franked base dividend, an increase of $50 million, along with a share buy-back.
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