Qantas Reports 28% Profit Surge for FY25 and Adds 20 A321XLR Aircraft

Qantas Group has reported a significant 28% increase in profit after tax for the financial year 2025 (FY25) and announced ambitious plans for future growth, which includes an order for 20 additional Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

On August 28, 2025, the airline revealed a statutory profit after tax of AU$1.61 billion for FY25. This marks a substantial rise compared to the previous year. The underlying profit before tax was reported at AU$2.39 billion, showing a 15% increase.

“This year has focused on delivering results,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated. “Strong demand across all segments, coupled with our dual brand strategy, has contributed to our earnings growth.”

New A321XLR Aircraft Order

Hudson emphasized that the group’s commendable financial performance has allowed Qantas to enhance its fleet continually.

In the recent financial results, Qantas confirmed an order for 20 more A321XLR aircraft, with 16 of these featuring lie-flat business seats for the first time in its narrowbody lineup.

“These new A321XLRs will expedite the retirement of our 737 fleet and create new opportunities for both domestic and international travel, enabling us to reach destinations currently not accessible with our existing narrowbody fleet,” Hudson explained.

The newly configured A321XLRs are anticipated to start arriving in 2028, bringing the total number of next-generation A321XLR aircraft ordered by the airline to 48. Qantas’ overall confirmed aircraft order now totals 214.

What’s Next for Qantas’ Fleet Renewal?

During FY2025, Qantas welcomed 17 new aircraft, including the airline’s inaugural A321XLR (VH-OGA), which is set to begin domestic operations in mid-September 2025. A second A321XLR (VH-OGB) was delivered in August 2025 (FY26).

Additionally, QantasLink, the group’s regional subsidiary, expanded its fleet with five A220 aircraft. These are projected to generate up to AU$9 million in annual EBITDA per aircraft, superseding the Boeing 717 models they replace. The regional carrier has also shifted towards an all-Q400 turboprop fleet, retiring all Q200 and Q300 aircraft.

After the closure of Jetstar Asia in July 2025, Qantas announced that its 13 A320 aircraft would gradually be redeployed across Jetstar Australia, Jetstar New Zealand, and QantasLink to facilitate fleet renewal and support growth. The first of these aircraft is expected to enter service in September 2025.

Work on Qantas’ first A350-1000ULR is currently ongoing, with the aircraft set to enter the final assembly stage in Toulouse, France, come October 2025. Delivery is anticipated in October 2026, with the aircraft operating its first ultra-long-haul commercial flight in the first half of 2027.

Growth for Jetstar and Qantas

The recent fleet investments have led to operational enhancements, with both Qantas and Jetstar observing their best on-time performance since 2019.

For Qantas, domestic unit revenue rose by 5%, aided by increased charter demand, including five new Airbus A319s added for Western Australia’s resource sector.

On the international front, net freight revenue grew by 7%, despite uncertainties in global trade. Qantas Freight is optimizing its fleet and is gearing up for an inaugural freighter flight from the 24-hour cargo precinct at Western Sydney Airport (WSI) expected in mid-2026.

Jetstar has also set a domestic passenger record, carrying 16 million passengers in FY25. This achievement was driven by new aircraft and strong demand, resulting in a 2% increase in seat factor, alongside reduced fuel costs.

Internationally, the airline served about 25% more travelers compared to the previous year, with notable increases in traffic from Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. Jetstar has introduced 11 new international routes this year, aided by the delivery of seven new A321LR and four A320neo aircraft.

The upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet for Jetstar is slated to commence operations towards the end of the current financial year, while the A321XLRs are expected to start arriving in 2027.