Qantas announced a profit before tax of $288 million for the half-year to 31 December 2008, a 68.2% decrease on the prior comparative period and reaffirmed its full year profit before tax (PBT) outlook of around $500 million for the 12 months to 30 June 2009.
The Chairman of Qantas, Mr Leigh Clifford, said that while Qantas was affected by the global economic downturn and the volatility in currency and oil prices, the Group remained strong and profitable, benefiting from the structural flexibility of its two-brand strategy, its diversified portfolio of businesses, and prudent financial management.
Qantas has separately announced an equity raising offer to shareholders.