Qantas profits rise: Airline announces $2.4 billion dollar underlying profit, status offer for frequent flyers

Qantas has posted a huge underlying profit of $2.4 billion, up 15 per cent on the previous year.

The strong performance was driven by robust growth in passenger revenue, which climbed to $20.4b, up from $18.9b in 2024.

The airline saw a significant 28 per cent increase in statutory profit to $1.6b for the last financial year, driven by ongoing strength in travel demand across both domestic and international markets.

Revenue rose 8.6 per cent, and the airline’s underlying profit slightly exceeded market expectations. Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 16.5¢ per share, along with a special dividend of 9.9¢ a share.

It comes as Qantas faced a $90 million penalty for illegal outsourcing of ground handling work during the pandemic, adding to $120m in compensation previously awarded to former employees.

In line with the upbeat results, Qantas has relaunched its popular “double status credit points” offer for Frequent Flyer members on the same day it announces its annual profits. This move appears aimed at encouraging more flight bookings while recognising customer loyalty.

Frequent Flyer members who book flights within the next seven days for travel between September 4 this year and August 22 next year can choose between earning double status credits or double points.

In the previous March promotion, about two thirds of participants opted for status credits over double points due to the perks tied to higher membership tiers, such as lounge access, priority boarding, and fast-track security lanes.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said the offer is “one of our most highly anticipated offers of the year and a great way for members to unlock the travel benefits that they value most.”

He added, “Whether members want to fast-track their annual status to access hundreds of lounges, or boost their points balance to book their next reward seat or upgrade, this offer helps them get there sooner.”

In addition to doubling credits or points on new bookings, Qantas will gift bonus status credits next month automatically to members active in the program during the past 18 months, with the number varying by tier.

The airline has recently increased points required for flight redemptions and carrier charges, moves some critics see as significant devaluation of points.

This comes after a challenging period for Qantas, marked by a major cyberattack exposing the details of 5.7 million customers and court sanctions over unlawful outsourcing practices.

CEO Vanessa Hudson and CFO Rob Marcolina are scheduled to address the media and investors on Thursday regarding the 2025 financial year profit.