Underlying Profit and EPS Growth
Underlying profit before tax (H1 FY26) was $1.46 billion, up 5% year-on-year. Underlying earnings per share were $0.68, up 7% versus the prior comparable half.
Strong Operating Cash Flow and Capital Returns
Operating cash flow was $1.8 billion for the half. The Board approved an interim shareholder distribution of up to $450 million comprising a fully franked base dividend of $300 million (increase of $50 million) and an on-market share buyback of up to $150 million.
Domestic Business Outperformance
Group Domestic EBIT exceeded $1 billion, up 14% year-on-year, with a Group Domestic EBIT margin of 18%. Group Domestic capacity grew 5% and Group RASK was up 3%, supported by strong leisure and business travel demand.
Jetstar Fleet Benefits and Earnings Surge
Jetstar Domestic earnings increased 38% with an EBIT margin of 22%. New A321LR/A320neo fleet at scale contributed significantly: investment in A321LRs accounted for approximately 60% of Jetstar's earnings uplift via efficiency, better utilization and lower fuel/maintenance per seat.
Loyalty Program Momentum
Qantas Loyalty underlying EBIT was $286 million, up 12% year-on-year. Points earned increased (~+10 points) and points redeemed grew 17%. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership exceeded 18 million members. Management announced material program enhancements (status credit rollover and earning status through everyday spend).
Fleet Renewal Acceleration
Group invested $1.8 billion in fleet and projects in the half; 18 aircraft joined the fleet (9 new deliveries including A321XLRs, A220s and A320neo). Net capital expenditure for H1 was $1.8 billion with FY26 capex guidance of $4.1–4.3 billion and FY27 guidance of $5.1–5.4 billion to reflect accelerated fleet renewal (including first Project Sunrise aircraft).
Operational and Reputational Improvements
Qantas Net Promoter Score improved by 5 points and Jetstar by 4 points. On-time performance: Qantas 70% (highest among major domestic airlines) and Jetstar 71%, reflecting operational improvements tied to fleet and investment.
Balance Sheet and Financial Framework
Net debt ended the half at $5.6 billion, at the bottom of the FY26 target range ($5.6–7.0 billion). Management reiterated a financial framework prioritizing low leverage, liquidity and investment-grade rating and confirmed capital recycling and portfolio focus (closure of Jetstar Asia and intent to sell stake in Jetstar Japan).