The Qantas Group has released its half-year financial results for 1H26, reporting a robust performance driven by sustained leisure demand, fleet renewal and loyalty growth, alongside sweeping enhancements to its Frequent Flyer program and international network.
Financial Performance
The Group delivered an Underlying Profit Before Tax of $1.46 billion for the half, supported by its dual-brand strategy across Qantas and Jetstar and the growing contribution of next-generation aircraft.
Qantas Loyalty revenue increased 19 per cent, reflecting stronger member engagement and an expanding partner network.
The Board declared a fully franked interim dividend of $300 million — a 20 per cent increase on prior base dividends — and announced plans for an on-market share buyback of up to $150 million.
Biggest Frequent Flyer Changes Yet
Qantas Frequent Flyer will introduce the most significant status changes in its history. Members will soon be able to roll over unused Status Credits and earn them through everyday spending for the first time.
The program now exceeds 18.3 million members, with points earn increasing across all sectors and 17 per cent more points redeemed. More than 2.5 million Reward Seats were booked during the half.
Network and Fleet Expansion
Qantas will make aviation history as the first airline to operate direct flights between Australia and Las Vegas, cutting up to five hours of travel time by removing the need for a US stopover.
The airline’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will commence international services in October, initially operating between Brisbane and Manila. Meanwhile, Project Sunrise’s A350-1000ULR is set to begin test flights in the coming months.
Fleet renewal continues at pace, with around 40 of more than 200 new aircraft already delivered. Nine aircraft joined the fleet during the half, with a further 40-plus scheduled across the next 18 months. Jetstar’s new A321LR and A320neo aircraft accounted for 60 per cent of its profitability increase.
Customer and People Highlights
Qantas was Australia’s most on-time major domestic airline for every month of the half, while both Qantas and Jetstar recorded improved customer satisfaction and reputation scores.
Thirteen new routes were launched across the Group, including Jetstar’s Gold Coast–Denpasar service and Qantas’ Perth–Johannesburg route. The new Auckland lounge opened in December, with major refurbishments underway in Los Angeles and Sydney.
More than 2,200 new employees joined the Group during the period, with plans to create 8,500 Australian jobs by 2030 — including 3,500 cabin crew and over 1,000 pilots.
The result underscores Qantas’ continued investment in fleet, product and loyalty as it positions for long-term growth.
