Fact Files
Fact Files
Fact Files
HISTORY Qantas is the world's second oldest airline. It was founded in the Queensland outback in 1920 and
is Australia’s largest domestic and international airline. Qantas is recognised as one of the world's leading long
distance airlines, having pioneered services from Australia to North America and Europe. The Qantas Group
employs approximately 36,000 people and offers services across a network covering 140 destinations in 37
countries – 57 in Australia and 83 in other countries (including those covered by codeshare partners) in
Australia, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, Europe and Africa.
BUSINESS AND INVESTMENTS The company's main business is the transportation of passengers. In
addition to its Qantas and Jetstar brand flying operations, the Qantas Group operates a diverse portfolio of
airline-related businesses. These include Qantas Engineering, Airports, Catering, Qantas Freight and Qantas
Holidays. Qantas Airways Limited owns 45.04 per cent of Orangestar Pte Limited, which owns and operates
the value-based intra-Asia airlines Jetstar Asia and Valuair, based in Singapore. The Group purchased an 18
per cent stake in Vietnam’s Pacific Airlines in July 2007. Qantas also holds a 46.3 per cent shareholding in Air
Pacific and is a partner with Australia Post in two jointly controlled entities – the domestic air freight operator
Australian air Express and the national road freight business, Star Track Express.
ROUTES The flying businesses of the Qantas Group are grouped under two major brands – Qantas and
Jetstar. Domestically, Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar operate over 5,400 flights a week serving 57 city and
regional destinations in all states and mainland territories (Qantas – 2,400; QantasLink – 1,990; Jetstar –
1,080). Qantas also operates more than 230 domestic flights a week within New Zealand. Internationally,
Qantas and Jetstar operate more than 850 flights each week (Qantas – 680; Jetstar – 170). The Group’s
international network comprises 84 destinations in 38 countries, including Australia and those served by
codeshare partner airlines.
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS At 31 December 2007, the Qantas Group operates a fleet of 216 aircraft,
comprising Boeing 747s, 767s, 737s and 717s, Airbus A330s and A320s, Bombardier Dash 8s and
Bombardier Q400s.
Passengers carried (000): Year ended 30 June Year ended 30 June Half year ended 31
2007 2006 December 2007
Qantas 24, 950 24,212 13,087
QantasLink 3,858 3,316 2,179
Jetstar 7,641 5,799 4,517
Total: 36,449 34,075 19,783
RPKs* (m): 97,622 90,899 52,261
ASKs** (m): 122,119 118,070 63,627
* Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs – number of paying passengers carried, multiplied by number of kilometres flown)
** Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs – number of seats available for passengers, multiplied by number of kilometres flown)
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE - QANTAS GROUP For the half year ended 31 December 2007, Qantas
reported a profit before tax of $905 million, a 73 per cent increase on the half year to 31 December 2006. Net
profit after tax was a record $618 million. The Directors declared an interim fully ordinary dividend of 18 cents
per share, representing a payout ratio of 57.0 per cent.
USA AND THE WORLD Qantas began flying to San Francisco and Vancouver in May 1954. In 1956, the
airline carried the Olympic flame from Athens to Darwin as part of its journey to the Melbourne Olympics.
Round-the-world services with Super Constellations began on 14 January 1958. Qantas entered the jet age in
1959, taking delivery of the first Boeing 707 operated by a non-US airline. The 1960s brought rapid expansion.
AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES (DOMESTIC, 1946-1993) Australian Airlines helped pioneer domestic commercial
aviation. Beginning as Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA), the airline flew its first passengers from Melbourne to
Sydney in a Douglas DC3 in September 1946. TAA took over Qantas domestic services and the flying doctor
network in 1949, enabling Qantas to concentrate on overseas services. TAA introduced the turboprop Vickers
Viscount to trunk routes in 1954, the Boeing 727 in 1964, and gave the domestic market wide body airliners
and Business Class when it introduced the Airbus A300 in 1981. In August 1986, TAA became Australian
Airlines. Qantas purchased Australian Airlines in 1992 and integrated its operations into the company.
PRIVATISATION Australia’s domestic airline industry was deregulated in October 1990. In April 1991, the
Australian Government announced it would sell 49 per cent of Qantas and 100 per cent of Australian Airlines.
In February 1992, the Government overhauled aviation policy, including an end to the artificial barrier between
Australia's international and domestic air services. This opened the way for Qantas to re-enter the domestic
market after an absence of more than 40 years, and enter the bidding for Australian Airlines. In June 1992, the
Government accepted Qantas’ bid for Australian and decided to privatise fully the Qantas Group. The A$400
million purchase of Australian Airlines was completed in September 1992 and the operations of the two airlines
were merged under the single Qantas brand in October 1993. The privatisation of Qantas began with a trade
sale, and in December 1992 the Government selected British Airways as the successful bidder. British Airways
completed its A$665 million purchase of 25 per cent of Qantas in March 1993. The Public Share Offer was
launched on 22 June 1995. The privatisation was completed and Qantas shares listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange on 31 July 1995. British Airways sold its stake (18.25 per cent at the time) in September 2004.
IMPULSE AIRLINES Qantas purchased Impulse Airlines in November 2001 in accordance with the terms of a
commercial relationship signed in May 2001 in which Impulse contracted its aircraft to Qantas, after deciding
to withdraw from operating scheduled services in its own right. Impulse operated under the QantasLink brand
and livery as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qantas until Jetstar was launched in 2004, when the fleet of 14
Boeing 717 aircraft was transferred to the new low cost carrier.
ANSETT COLLAPSE The collapse of Ansett in September 2001 created many challenges for Qantas. To
assist stranded Ansett passengers, Qantas leased extra aircraft and added hundreds of special flights. The
airline flew over 50,000 former Ansett passengers for free and another 65,000 on heavily discounted fares.
Qantas added the equivalent of about seven years’ growth virtually overnight. This huge effort was critical in
minimising the impact of the Ansett collapse on the Australian economy, tourism, business and national life.
JETSTAR In October 2003, Qantas announced it would launch a new low cost domestic airline. Jetstar
commenced operations on 25 May 2004 and introduced Melbourne Avalon to its network in June 2004,
becoming the first Australian commercial carrier to operate scheduled services from a second city airport.
Jetstar commenced trans-Tasman services in December 2005 and international services into Asia and Hawaii
in November 2006 and today operates more than 1,500 flights a week to 30 destinations on short haul
domestic and international and long haul international routes.
AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES Qantas launched a new international carrier, Australian Airlines, in October 2002.
As part of the strategy to focus on two strong brands – Qantas and Jetstar – Australian Airlines ceased
operation in July 2006.
TODAY International Air Transport Association (IATA) comparisons for calendar year 2006 show that Qantas
is the world’s 11th largest airline in terms of Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs). Qantas Group airlines
offer services to 141 destinations in 38 countries – 57 in Australia and 84 in other countries (including those
operated by codeshare partner airlines) and carried 36 million passengers in 2006/07. The Group fleet
numbers 216 aircraft (as at 31 December 2007) and the company employs around 36,000 people worldwide.
The non-flying businesses, which add value to the core flying activities, are:
Airports Catering
Freight Loyalty
Qantas Defence Services Qantas Engineering
Qantas Holidays
QANTASLINK QantasLink is a full-service regional airline that supports Qantas' domestic network by
developing ‘feeder’ markets that connecting regional business and leisure markets with the major cities.
Qantas' domestic New Zealand services are operated by Jetconnect, a wholly-owned Qantas subsidiary based
in New Zealand, which also operates some trans-Tasman services.
JETSTAR BRANDS
JETSTAR The Group’s low cost airline, began operating Australian domestic services in May 2004. Increased
domestic capacity that resulted from the launch of Jetstar, combined with low fares, has opened up air travel to
a growing market of domestic leisure travellers. The airline launched international services in November 2006.
JETSTAR ASIA Qantas owns 44.5 per cent of Orangestar, which owns and operates the value-based intra-
Asia airlines Jetstar Asia and Valuair, based in Singapore.
NON-FLYING BUSINESSES
AIRPORTS The Group’s domestic and international airport operations provide a range of services to Qantas
Group airlines and other international airlines, including check-in, baggage handling and the operation of
lounge facilities. Express Ground Handling, a wholly owned subsidiary, provides baggage handling services to
meet the cost, aircraft turnaround time and utilisation requirements of low cost Jetstar.
CATERING Qantas Flight Catering Limited (QFCL), Caterair and Snap Fresh, wholly owned subsidiaries of
the Qantas Group, operate catering centres across Australia, supplying meals to Qantas Group airlines and
external customers. Snap Fresh specialises in the central production of frozen meals. Together, the
companies comprise Australia’s leading large-scale flight catering business.
JETSTAR
Airbus A320-200 26** Airbus A330-200 6
* includes three aircraft not in operational service ** includes one wet-leased A320 from Jetstar Asia
FLEET INVESTMENT Since 2000, the Qantas Group has announced a number of new aircraft orders as part
of a multi-billion dollar fleet renewal program. The foundation of this long-term fleet plan was laid in November
2000, when the Group announced the purchase of 13 A330s, six B747-400ERs and 12 Airbus A380s. Today,
the Group has orders in place with a list value of approximately $35 billion. Orders since 2000:
The Group currently has firm orders in place for the following aircraft:
AIRBUS A380 The world’s first true twin-deck aircraft will provide greater opportunities to expand capacity
into slot constrained airports around the world. Qantas has ordered 20 Airbus A380 aircraft, the first of which
will be delivered in August 2008.
BOEING 787 The use of composite materials and leading edge technology in the B787 will allow Jetstar and
Qantas to fly to more point-to-point destinations at speeds similar to today’s fastest wide body aircraft using 25
per cent less fuel on a per seat basis. The Group has a firm order in place for 65 B787-8 and -9s, 20 options
and 30 purchase rights. The aircraft will cater for international capacity growth, new routes and replacement,
over time, of Qantas’ B767-300 fleet. The first 15 B787s will be operated by Jetstar on its international routes.
Following Boeing’s announcement of delays to its B787 program, Jetstar’s first aircraft is expected to be
delivered in May 2009.
AUSTRALIA – 57
INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT First Qantas First offers 14 fully flat beds, luxurious soft furnishings and
designer amenities. Dedicated cabin crew are trained in food preparation and service and wine knowledge.
Qantas’ B747-400 First cabins are being progressively upgraded with a new colour scheme and exclusive
Marc Newson-designed fabrics and carpets. Larger inflight entertainment monitors are also being introduced,
along with new foam mattresses and unique sheepskin overlays.
Business Qantas Business offers the award-winning Skybed sleeper seat by Qantas Design Director Marc
Newson. Skybed offers passengers the ultimate in comfort and personal space. The state-of-the-art seat
converts to a bed and features a fixed cocoon-style surround to maximise privacy and provide a barrier to
cabin noise, massage function and laptop power. International Business also features specially trained cabin
crew, a self-service refreshment bar and mood lighting.
Premium Economy Qantas’ new Premium Economy cabin will be available on select B747-400 services
from April 2008. Premium Economy will offer a brand new Marc Newson designed 19.5 inch-wide seat,
generous seat recline and leg room, in-arm touch screen video monitor, ergonomic cushioning, an adjustable
headrest and Neil Perry inspired menus with premium wines.
Economy Qantas’ ergonomically designed, slimline Economy seat offers customers greater comfort.
Features include lumbar support and adjustable headrest wings for extra head and neck support. Qantas’
B747-400 Economy cabins are currently being upgraded with a new colour scheme and Marc Newson
designed fabrics and carpets.
Dining Qantas offers a choice of complimentary inflight meals and snacks using the best produce and
ingredients from Australia and countries across its international network. In First and Business, a la carte
menus are designed by Australian chef and restaurateur Neil Perry and offered with a full restaurant style
service. In March 2007, Qantas introduced an eight course, Neil Perry designed tasting menu in First. As
many as 16 dinner options are available in First and eight in Business, where customers also have access to a
self-service bar. Premium Economy will offer a Neil Perry inspired menu, including a choice of two main
courses. In addition to a choice of two main meal options, Economy customers are offered ice creams, hot
chocolate and herbal teas, fresh fruit and snack on Q, an assortment of quality snack foods. In 2006, Qantas
became the first licensee of the National Heart Foundation’s Tick for meals eaten out program. Tick healthier
choice meals are offered on all International Economy services from Sydney.
DOMESTIC PRODUCT Qantas offers two classes of travel on its domestic routes – Business and Economy.
Domestic inflight service features complimentary meals and snacks as well as audio-visual entertainment.
Qantas is upgrading the Business and Economy cabins of its Australian and New Zealand Domestic B767s
and B737s, using Marc Newson designed fabrics and carpets. New pillows, blankets, headrest covers and
tableware will complement the new interiors. Qantas’ Cityflyer services offers customers travelling between
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney more flights and more seats than any other
airline. Cityflyer services include priority departure gates, dedicated customer service desks, complimentary
newspapers on early morning flights, free bar service after 4pm weekdays and dedicated baggage carousels.
QANTAS INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT All Qantas International B747-400 and A330 aircraft are fitted with
an Audio and Video on Demand (AVOD) inflight entertainment system offering digital picture and sound quality
and a choice of 60 movies, 200 television selections, destination guides, 150 CDs, 20 radio channels and 10
interactive games. The award-winning monthly inflight magazine, Qantas the Australian Way, is also available
in the seat pocket on all Qantas Domestic and International flights.
QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is the largest Australia-based
airline loyalty program, with around five million members. See Loyalty Fact File.
QANTAS CLUBS AND LOUNGES Qantas Club members are welcome at over 250 lounges worldwide.
Qantas and British Airways opened a new International Business lounge in Singapore in 2006 and new First
and Business lounges in Bangkok in 2007. A new oneworld lounge opened in November 2007 at Los Angeles
International Airport's Tom Bradley International Terminal. Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific
collaborated to design and develop the facility, which includes separate lounges for their First and Business
customers. New Meeting Rooms have opened at Qantas’ domestic terminals in Sydney and Melbourne. New
domestic Business lounges will open in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in mid-2008.
QUICKCHECK AND ONLINE CHECK-IN Qantas offers domestic QuickCheck e-ticket kiosks in Adelaide,
Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Using QuickCheck, customers without baggage can
check-in in less than 60 seconds. For even faster and more convenient check-in, Qantas offers an online
check-in service through qantas.com. The service allows customers to check-in and print their boarding pass
up to 24 hours before their flight. Qantas also offers check-in facilities at Sofitel properties around Australia.
MOBILE PHONES INFLIGHT Qantas customers can use their mobile phones on Qantas Domestic and
International flights once the aircraft has landed and vacated the runway. ‘Flight mode’ capable mobile phones
and smart phones can also be used from the time the seat belt sign has been extinguished after take-off until
the aircraft begins its descent. In April 2007, Qantas began evaluating a system allowing passengers to use
their own mobile phone, BlackBerry or GPRS enabled device to send and receive SMS and email.
FLEET At February 2008 there are 48 aircraft in the QantasLink fleet – 14 B717-200 jets, 30 Bombardier
Dash 8 and seven Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.
QANTASLINK BASES QantasLink provides direct employment for more than 1,000 people in both
metropolitan and regional locations, including Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle,
Sydney and Tamworth.
REGIONAL NETWORK QantasLink operates to 52 destinations:
QantasLink commenced codeshare services with Airnorth from Kununurra to Darwin, Broome and Perth in
September 2007 and with Alliance Airlines from Adelaide to Olympic Dam in November 2007.
QANTASLINK ENGINEERING QantasLink’s fleet is serviced in a number of city and regional locations.
Heavy maintenance is undertaken in Tamworth, while line maintenance bases are located in Brisbane,
Melbourne, Mildura and Sydney.
REGIONAL SPONSORSHIPS Sponsorship of events and the promotion of tourism demonstrates
QantasLink’s commitment to rural and regional Australia and the airline works closely with other parts of the
Qantas Group to promote regional and destination tourism within Australia and overseas. QantasLink’s
support for community, cultural, educational and sporting events, festivals and conferences, includes:
SHORT HAUL NETWORK Jetstar operates to the following short haul domestic and international
destinations:
Australia
New South Wales (3) Ballina/Byron Bay Newcastle Sydney
Northern Territory (1) Darwin
Queensland (10) Brisbane Cairns Gold Coast
Hamilton Island Hervey Bay Mackay
Maroochydore Proserpine Rockhampton
Townsville
South Australia (1) Adelaide
Tasmania (2) Hobart Launceston
Victoria (2) Melbourne Melbourne Avalon
Western Australia (1) Perth
International
New Zealand (1) Christchurch
Singapore (1) Singapore
JETSTAR LONG HAUL Jetstar commenced international long haul flying on 23 November 2006, and today
offers two-class Airbus A330-200 services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Most recently, the
airline commenced services between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur in September 2007. Today, the airline
operates more than 70 flights per week across its long haul network. Jetstar’s six A330-200s are configured
with 303 seats. In addition to Economy, StarClass is Jetstar's international business class. StarClass fares
include all meals, snacks and beverages, inflight entertainment options and comfort and amenity packs.
StarClass customers also have access to priority check-in and boarding and larger baggage allowances and
lounges and can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points at Business rates. Jetstar's international Economy offers
customers a range of food, drink, entertainment and amenity options that can be purchased at time of booking
LONG HAUL NETWORK Jetstar currently operates to the following long haul destinations:
Sydney Qantas Engineering undertakes extensive day-to-day aircraft maintenance on all aircraft
types, along with Rolls-Royce RB211 engine maintenance, component maintenance,
engineering, technical training and supply chain support at its Sydney Jet Base.
Melbourne The Melbourne Airport Jet Base facility at Tullamarine caters for day-to-day aircraft
maintenance together with engineering and heavy maintenance for the Group's narrow
body B737-300, -400, –800 and Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and aircraft component
maintenance work, including aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). The Qantas Group also
operates Jet Turbine Services (JTS), an engine maintenance Centre of Excellence for
General Electric CF6 and CFM56 engines and component maintenance work.
Brisbane Qantas undertakes B767 heavy maintenance in Brisbane. More than 400 people are now
employed at a world-class $85 million hangar facility at Brisbane Airport, which opened in
2005. Qantas Engineering also has significant day-to-day aircraft maintenance operations in
Brisbane. Commencing in May 2008, Qantas Engineering will perform conversion of new
A330-200 aircraft to Multi Role Tanker Transports for the RAAF in a hangar extensively
modified for this purpose.
Avalon The Avalon Airport facility has traditionally been responsible for the Qantas Group’s aircraft
commercial project and overhaul work. Following the transfer of B747 heavy maintenance
from Sydney in June 2006, Avalon became Qantas Engineering’s B747 heavy maintenance
base, employing approximately 850 people. Avalon is also the site for the conversion by
Qantas of B737-300 passenger aircraft to freighters for Australian air Express operations.
INTERNATIONAL APPROVAL Qantas Engineering holds regulatory approval from the Australian Civil
Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and many other foreign regulatory authorities and airlines. It is also accredited
under the international standard for Quality Assurance ISO9001-2000. This confirms that Qantas Engineering
not only meets the safety criteria of aviation authorities, but also achieves world standards for delivery, cost
and other factors vital to customers.
Platinum and Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers also have access to a worldwide network of lounges offered by
oneworld alliance airlines.
AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS The Qantas Group currently owns and operates its own domestic terminals in
Sydney and Melbourne. Qantas also operates its own leased domestic terminals in Brisbane, Canberra, Gold
Coast, Hobart, Launceston and Perth, and shares facilities at common-user terminals at other ports across the
country.
SYDNEY AIRPORT Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest and most important commercial airport. It was
opened in 1920 and is one of the oldest continuously operating airports in the world. Qantas Group airlines
operate from all three Sydney terminals:
Terminal 1 (Sydney International Airport) – Qantas flights QF001 to QF399
Terminal 2 (QantasLink flights QF1600 and above and Jetstar
Terminal 3 (Qantas Domestic Terminal) – Qantas and QantasLink flights QF400 to QF1599
Terminal 1 (T1) Qantas and Jetstar facilities within Sydney Airport Corporation Limited’s International
Terminal include: 16 aircraft gates and 50 check-in counters; a Business lounge with seating for 500; and a
new First lounge with seating for 220.
Terminal 2 (T2) QantasLink and Jetstar operate from T2 which includes: QantasLink check-in facilities within
the main concourse; a 220-seat Qantas Club; Jetstar check-in facilities and customer service desk; a Qantas
ticket counter; and QantasLink customer service desk. Qantas offers seamless coach transfer facilities, with a
check-in and baggage system dedicated to the airline’s customers transferring between Terminal 1 and
Terminal 3. Convenient transfer between T3 and T2 is available via the Airport Link rail walkway.
Terminal 3 (T3) Qantas’ domestic terminal, which covers almost 85,000 square metres over two levels,
includes 14 aircraft parking gates and the flexibility to handle a range of aircraft types, including A330s and
B747s. T3 also features: QuickCheck facilities; a Qantas Club with seating for approximately 1,000 guests and
a comprehensive business centre; five baggage claim carousels; direct access to the Airport Link rail line; and
valet parking.
MELBOURNE AIRPORT Qantas Group airlines operate from two of the three terminals at Melbourne Airport:
Qantas and Jetstar domestic and QantasLink regional services operate from the Qantas domestic terminal
(Terminal 1). Qantas international services operate from the international terminal (Terminal 2).
Terminal 1 (T1) Qantas’ Melbourne domestic terminal features 16 gates and also has the flexibility to handle
a range of aircraft types, including Airbus A330s and Boeing 747s. Other features include: QuickCheck
facilities; an automated baggage handling system; expanded baggage reclaim facilities; and a Qantas Club
with seating for 750 guests and comprehensive business centre facilities
Terminal 2 (T2) Qantas facilities at Melbourne Airport’s International Terminal include: 16 aircraft gates and
85 check-in counters; a Business lounge with seating for 450; and a new First lounge with seating for 130.
EXPRESS FREIGHTERS AUSTRALIA Express Freighters Australia (EFA) is the Qantas Group’s wholly-
owned subsidiary freighter management company. EFA provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance
services (known as a wet lease) to Australian air Express. EFA currently operates four B737-300 converted
freighter aircraft. The business also has its own Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
DPEX WORLDWIDE In mid-2007, Qantas Freight Enterprises acquired DPEX Worldwide, Asia’s fifth largest
express freight operator. DPEX's network of vehicles, employees and service centres covers 18 countries
across Asia. Qantas Freight Enterprises also owns a controlling interest in the independent Chinese DPEX
franchise.
International
Asia Bali China
Hong Kong (China, Macau) India
Japan Thailand
Singapore and Malaysia Vietnam
Europe and UK Britain and Ireland Europe
Pacific Fiji South Pacific (Vanuatu, New
Caledonia and Tahiti)
USA and Canada America Canada
Hawaii
Viva! Holidays
Asia Bali, Malaysia and Thailand
USA Hawaii
MEMBERSHIP
The program offers three membership levels above the entry Bronze level – Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Members can move up to the next membership level by earning Status credits each time they fly on an eligible
flight. Each membership level has particular privileges, including higher priority check-in, baggage allowances
and, for Platinum and Gold members, complimentary Qantas Club access. Eligible Frequent Flyer members
also have access to oneworld alliance lounges. The higher your membership, the greater your privileges and
the more points members can earn.
There is no expiry date on Qantas Frequent Flyer points, provided members earn or redeem points on their
account at least once every three years.
MORE REDEMPTION OPPORTUNITIES THAN EVER In 2006/07, more than three million award seats were
redeemed for travel with Qantas. Nearly one in 10 passengers travelled on a Frequent Flyer award. Members
also used 450,000 award seats on program partner airlines. On average, 9,500 award seats are redeemed
every day. Seat availability is regularly monitored and reviewed.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE PROGRAM There are numerous ways members can earn more points
faster. These include:
• flying on Qantas and eligible partner and oneworld alliance airlines more frequently and earning Status
credits to help progression through the various membership tiers,
• which in turn earn points at a higher rate;
• using services and purchasing products from our program partners; and
• using a credit card which earns you Frequent Flyer points when you shop.
PROGRAM CHANGES A number of new program benefits will be introduced in mid-2008, including:
• allowing members to redeem points for any available seat on Qantas and Jetstar;
• expanding the Qantas Frequent Flyer store to include a wider choice of merchandise and vouchers using
points only and points-plus-pay options;
• expanding travel reward options covering hotels, car rental and holiday packages; and
The addition of new Frequent Flyer partners.
Japan Qantas flew charter services to Bofu in December 1947 and to Tokyo in October 1948 before
beginning scheduled services to Tokyo in October 1950. Today, Qantas operates 31 flights a week between
four Australian cities – Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney – and Tokyo. In April 1997, Qantas commenced
JETSTAR ASIA In 2004, Qantas announced it would be a major investor in a value-based intra-Asia carrier
based in Singapore. Jetstar Asia began flying in December 2004 with a fleet of four A320 aircraft. In July 2005,
a new holding company was formed which owns and operates both Jetstar Asia and Valuair. Qantas owns
44.5 per cent of this company. The two airlines continue to operate in their own right and participate in growth
opportunities in the region. Together, they operate to eight countries – mainland China, Hong Kong, India,
Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Following an agreement signed in April 2007, the
Qantas Group finalised the first of three investment instalments in Pacific Airlines, Vietnam’s second largest
carrier, in July 2007. The Group’s current 18 per cent stake will increase to 30 per cent over the next two
years.
QANTAS OFFICES Qantas has offices in Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong
Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore,
Surabaya, Taipei and Tokyo.
Paris Qantas from Australia to Singapore or Hong Kong and Air France from Singapore to Paris
Budapest Qantas from Australia to Bangkok and oneworld alliance partner Malev from Bangkok to
Budapest
Rome Qantas from Australia to Hong Kong and oneworld alliance partner Cathay Pacific from Hong
Kong to Rome
Within Europe, Qantas offers codeshare services with British Airways from:
London Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Lyon, Manchester,
Munich, Nice, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Warsaw and Zurich
Within the UK, Qantas offers codeshare services with British Airways from:
EMPLOYMENT Qantas employs people throughout the UK and Europe in a diverse range of roles. In 2004,
the airline established a cabin crew base in London that today employs around 400 people, including many
expatriate Australians.
QANTAS OFFICES Qantas has offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Geneva
and Zurich.
QANTAS OFFICES Qantas has offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Regional
representatives also operate in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Hawaii, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Phoenix
and Seattle. Canadian representatives operate out of Toronto and Vancouver.
QANTAS SERVICES TODAY Qantas currently operates more than 170 flights per week between Australia
and New Zealand, including non-stop services between the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch. The airline also commenced year-round weekly services between Sydney and
Queenstown in October 2005. During the ski season, Qantas operates a direct weekly service from both
Brisbane and Melbourne to Queenstown as well as two additional weekly services from Sydney. The airline
also connects Auckland with Los Angeles via a non-stop daily service from Melbourne.
JETSTAR SERVICES Jetstar commenced trans-Tasman services between Sydney and Christchurch in
December 2005. Services between Gold Coast and Christchurch commenced in 2006.
NEW ZEALAND DOMESTIC In April 2001, Qantas introduced New Zealand domestic services. Flying B737-
400 aircraft, Qantas provides more than 230 services each week between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch,
Queenstown and Rotorua. All Qantas domestic New Zealand flights can be integrated with Qantas’ extensive
international network. Qantas New Zealand domestic flights earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Qantas Clubs
are located at both international and domestic airports at Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Valet parking
is also available at Auckland airport.
NOUMEA Qantas operates services from Sydney and Brisbane to Noumea.
CODESHARES With its codeshare partners, Qantas also offers services to seven Pacific destinations in Fiji,
New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and Vanuatu:
Air Pacific Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland to Nadi and Sydney to Suva
Aircalin Sydney and Brisbane to Noumea
Air Niugini Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney to Port Moresby
Air Tahiti Nui Sydney to Auckland and Papeete
Air Vanuatu Sydney and Brisbane to Port Villa and Espiritu Santo
QANTAS OFFICES Qantas has offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in New Zealand, Noumea in
New Caledonia, and Suva and Nadi in Fiji.
Aircalin Qantas and Aircalin codeshare on each others’ services between Sydney, Brisbane and
Noumea.
Air Niugini Qantas codeshares on Air Niugini services between: Cairns, Sydney, Brisbane and Port
Moresby.
Wages vs Airfares – Time Taken To Earn The Lowest Sydney-London Return Airfare
1945 1965 1985 1995 2000 2007
130 weeks 21 weeks 5 weeks 3.5 weeks 2.7 weeks 2.0 weeks
The price of an average three-bedroom house is 50 times more than in 1964. A loaf of bread is around 18
times more. A Sydney-London return airfare is only 1.9 times more.
DOMESTIC FARES Prior to October 1990, interstate air services were subject to economic regulation under
the Two Airlines policy. The objective was to maintain two economically viable operators to provide trunk route
services on a competitive basis. In 1981, the Independent Air Fares Committee (IAFC) was established to
determine airfares, which were then applied by the airlines. With deregulation in November 1990, 38 years of
Government control ended, and the airlines were given the freedom to determine capacity, fare levels and
route structures. The entry of new competitors into the Australian domestic aviation market over the years has
focussed attention on fare levels. In real terms, however, yield from domestic air travel has been declining over
the past 30 years, and – from the customer perspective – travellers today have access to the broadest and
most flexible airfare range ever.
WHY DO AIRLINES OVERBOOK? An essential part of yield management is the overbooking of flights.
Airlines overbook in the knowledge that a percentage of passengers and travel agents make reservations that
are never used, while others make multiple bookings. These practices can deny other passengers the
opportunity to travel on flights that appear to be fully sold. Overbooking profiles are carefully monitored and
managed and Qantas continues to invest in quality control measures to minimise overbooking levels.
Importantly for customers, overbooking ensures flights are not closed out for bookings well ahead of
departure. As a result, fewer seats are wasted and more customers are given the opportunity to travel. Without
overbooking, airfares would rise to cover the loss of revenue from last minute cancellations and 'no shows'.
PRICING INITIATIVES Another common question is why do airlines have different prices and fare conditions
for travel on the same flight? The philosophy of yield management is to maximise seat sales at the optimal (not
necessarily the highest) price. For this reason, a range of fares is offered to help meet overall revenue targets.
Not everyone is prepared to pay the same price at the same time. Some customers are driven by price and
choose to purchase discounted fares, such as sale or promotional airfares, which require them to book early or
travel on a particular day or time in order to secure a seat. Customers who are time sensitive or want the
flexibility to decide to travel close to their intended travel date are often willing to pay a higher price. While
flights may vary by time, frequency and number of seats, nearly all services have the full range of fare types
available for sale during the booking life-cycle of the flight. The role of yield management is to provide an
optimal return from a network offering designed to suit the needs of a wide range of customers.
CAPACITY TO MEET DEMAND In its aim to maximise seat sales, yield management also plays a role in
identifying areas of weaker demand and then releasing promotional fares to stimulate travel. For example, Red
e-Deals in Economy and off-peak fares in Business are examples of pricing and fare initiatives to stimulate
Revenue Passenger The distance a passenger travels on a flight. One passenger travelling 10,000km
Kilometres (RPKs) produces 10,000 RPKs. Three hundred passengers each travelling 10,000
kilometres, produce three million RPKs.
Available Seat The seat capacity of an aircraft multiplied by the distance travelled. A 400-seat
Kilometres (ASKs) aircraft flying 10,000km produces 4,000,000 ASKs.
Passenger Yield Passenger yield is the total revenue from passengers divided by the total RPKs. It
is expressed in cents/RPK
Qantas IT continues to plan its IT services with its strategic suppliers to enable new and improved business
processes and customer offerings.
MAJOR PROJECTS Qantas is undertaking a phased migration of Passenger Services Systems to Amadeus.
The first phase was completed in November 2002, when Qantas reservations and ticketing moved to the
Amadeus Altéa Reservation system. A second phase cutover took place in September 2004, this time to
Amadeus Altéa Inventory software, used to manage Qantas yield, pricing and inventory, and including the
loading of schedules into the reservations system and publishing these schedules to other reservation systems
and airlines around the world. Qantas is deploying Amadeus Altéa Departure Control for its Load Control and
Departure Control systems, and implementation the Oracle eBusiness Suite is also in progress. Human
resources, customer management and procurement elements have been completed, with financial elements
scheduled for delivery in 2008.
EFFICIENCY Technology plays a major role in achieving efficiency and cost savings. For example, in order to
optimise fuel consumption, Qantas is implementing a new flight planning system. New workforce management
systems are also being deployed to improve productivity in areas such as airport and freight ground handling
operations and pilot and cabin crew operations.
E-COMMERCE INNOVATION Qantas is one of the main airline users of the Amadeus booking engine.
qantas.com records around six million visits each month. More than 45 per cent of domestic bookings are
made via the site. Online Qantas Frequent Flyer program redemption bookings have grown to more than 70
per cent, as has the number of people using the website to join the program. In domestic airports, Qantas has
deployed a larger number of enhanced touch-screen QuickCheck kiosks to reduce check-in times for
customers travelling with e-tickets and internet check-in for domestic flights is also now available via
qantas.com. The oneworld alliance, which includes Qantas, was also the first to implement comprehensive e-
ticket services for customers travelling on member airlines. qantasfreight.com provides fast and easy access
to the latest information on worldwide freight movements. Registered users can generate an electronic air
waybill, send a booking request (e-booking), and access the latest shipment status information through a
number of convenient tracking options. qantasholidays.com, the website for Qantas’ packaged holiday
business, allows customers to book holidays and hotels online.
Key areas of focus in the strategy of People are to improve productivity and labour unit costs, ensure a flexible
and adaptable workforce, nurture management and leadership capabilities and build a safer workplace.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Qantas has comprehensive standards of conduct policies which set standards
for staff behaviour, particularly in relation to key compliance areas such as theft, fraud, discrimination, bullying,
harassment, occupational health and safety and the maintenance of a smoke free workplace. These standards
of conduct also form part of the Qantas Supplier Requirements, a set of terms and conditions binding all
contractors engaged by Qantas.
REMUNERATION Nearly all Australia-based Qantas Group staff are covered by awards and various
collective agreements. Qantas works with 16 national unions to negotiate around 45 Enterprise Bargaining
Agreements, which cover issues such as classifications and rates of pay. Qantas also uses Australian
Workplace Agreements where appropriate. The remuneration strategy for executive management is detailed in
the Qantas Annual Report, which is available at qantas.com.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT The diversity of the Qantas Group offers a range of opportunities for
employees to maximise their potential, whether they be technical specialists in the aviation industry or
business generalists working in one of the many facets of the organisation. Qantas Airways Limited is a
Registered Training Organisation operating within the Australian National Vocational and Technical Education
sector and Australian Quality Training Framework. Qantas College provides a range of learning solutions for
both personal and professional development. These include Government approved, nationally accredited
qualifications that may provide credit for further study in the Australian vocational training sector. The College
also provides the Spirit of Success suite of programs, which specifically target new employees (Creating
program), supervisors (Growing program), managers (Managing program) and executives (Leading program).
DIVERSITY Diversity in Qantas is driven by a strategic response to contemporary people practices and
operational needs. As a global organisation with a diverse workforce, the development and implementation of
diversity initiatives is a key plank in workplace reform that delivers improved business, customer and
shareholder value to the Qantas Group. A Diversity Council is chaired by an Executive General Manager.
QANTAS LIFE BALANCE PROGRAM Qantas is committed to assisting employees to achieve a better work–
life balance and provides a range of initiatives to enable staff to balance their work and personal commitments.
DEMOGRAPHICS Seventy five per cent of Qantas’ pilot group is based in Sydney. The remaining 25 per cent
are located in Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne. Female pilots make up 2.5 per cent of the Qantas pilot group.
Of this figure, 17 per cent are Captains, 47 per cent are First Officers and 34 per cent are Second Officers.
TRAINING Qantas operates training centres in Sydney and Melbourne that deliver pilot technical training and
emergency procedures training. Approximately 18,000 pilot training sessions, and more than 1,600 emergency
procedures classes, are delivered each year. In Sydney, Qantas operates nine simulators: three B747-400;
two B767; one B737; one A330; one A380; and one Dash 8 (owned by a third party). Qantas also operates
three B737 simulators in Melbourne.
RECRUITMENT Qantas currently recruits approximately 200 pilots per year. The Qantas Pilot Recruitment
Plan is continually reviewed in response to the changing aviation environment. Qantas welcomes direct entry
applications from pilots who meet the minimum criteria. Information about direct entry pilot recruitment,
minimum criteria, the Cadet Pilot Training Program and new training programs can be found at
www.qantas.com.au/info/about/employment/pilots.
QANTAS CADET PILOT PROGRAM The Qantas Cadet Pilot Program is designed to equip successful
graduates with the skills, qualifications and experience required for possible future employment by Qantas as
a Second Officer. All training costs are the responsibility of the cadet. Following training, cadets undergo a
post-training phase involving compulsory flying experience under the Cadet Industry Placement Program.
Cadet pilots are not employees of Qantas and Qantas does not guarantee employment at any time after
completion of the training program. Designed for applicants who have completed or are about to complete a
Commercial Pilot (Aeroplane) Licence. Commercial cadets complete an abridged full-time theory and flight
training course of approximately six months at Flight Training Adelaide.
QANTAS GROUP FLIGHT TRAINING A stand-alone flight training business was also established in 2007 to
train 3,000 new pilots for the Qantas Group over the next 10 years, as well as a significant number of pilots for
customer airlines. Qantas Group Flight Training instructs, develops and examines the proficiency of over
10,000 crew each year and provides high level practical and theoretical training in two internationally certified
centres in Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney centre is located at the Qantas Jet Base at Mascot and
operates B747-400, B747, B767, A380, A330 and Dash 8 simulators. The Melbourne centre is located near
Tullamarine International Airport and operates B737NG and B737CG simulators, with an A330 simulator to be
delivered later in 2008. Qantas Group Flight Training also has training bases in Queensland, New Zealand and
the United Kingdom.
TRAINING The Qantas vision is to offer the best airline experience. As cabin crew play a crucial role in
making this vision a reality, all flight attendants undertake the latest service and safety training. New flight
attendants receive up to six weeks’ initial training and recurrent training in security, medical and emergency
procedures. Qantas is a registered training facility, in accordance with Australian National Training
Organisation standards, and has 90 certified course facilitators and designers delivering contemporary training
through e-learning, workshops and coaching at work. Qantas began offering sommelier training to all cabin
crew in 2006. Qantas will open a new customer service Centre of Excellence in October 2008 to provide
enhanced training programs for flight attendants and other front line staff from across the Group.
SUPPORT FOR CHARITY Qantas cabin crew are well known for their devotion to a number of worthy causes
including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
(RIDBC) and Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital. The Qantas Cabin Crew Team, a registered charity,
undertakes projects that focus on underprivileged children in Australia, Bangkok, Harare, Johannesburg and
Manila. The Pathfinders fundraising committee, comprising past and present staff, also raises money to help
disadvantaged and disabled children. This included organising annual charity flights around Australia to raise
funds for the RIDBC.
UNIFORMS Like all fashion, Qantas' cabin crew uniforms over the years have reflected both the tastes and
social norms of the day. In 1938, the first male Qantas flight attendants dressed in white waiters' jackets when
serving dinner to passengers. When female crew joined in 1947, fashion took a back seat to functionality, with
a military style uniform. Over time, increasing emphasis has been placed not only on designing uniforms to
look good, but to also allow crew to perform their duties with ease. Peter Morrissey, in collaboration with
Balarinji Design Studio, has been the designer of Qantas cabin crew uniforms since 2003.
SHARING THE SPIRIT Much of Qantas’ community and charity support is provided under the airline’s
Sharing the Spirit program. Established in February 2004, the program supports five key charities – CanTeen,
CARE Australia, Mission Australia, Starlight Children’s Foundation and UNICEF. One important Sharing The
Spirit initiative is the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA), which were developed to discover and foster
young Australian talent in a diverse range of creative fields. In 2007, six awards were presented covering
industrial and object design, photography, visual arts, music, moving image and fashion design. Winners each
received $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in air travel as well as the opportunity to develop their careers with
mentoring provided by some of Australia’s leading creative talent, including: fashion designer Peter Morrissey;
industrial designer and Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson and the Director of Sydney’s Museum of
Contemporary Art, Elizabeth Ann MacGregor. Sharing the Spirit events in 2007 included:
special performances by The Australian Ballet Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Sydney Dance
Company;
workshops and coaching clinics by Qantas Ambassadors and Olympians Catherine Freeman and Kieren
Perkins;
the Qantas AFL Kickstart Camp for elite indigenous players aged 14-15, providing both a unique football
experience and civic educational assistance from community role models such as Catherine Freeman and
footballer Michael Long;
football clinics for children with Qantas Ambassador and Socceroo Mark Schwarzer; and
a tour of regional Queensland by The Australian Girls Choir.
CHARITY AND COMMUNITY In partnership with UNICEF Australia, Qantas has received national recognition
for the Change For Good Program. Qantas implemented the program in 1991 – the first airline in the world to
do so and since then, Qantas and its customers have raised more than $15 million. Change for Good has also
been adopted by Qantas’ oneworld partner airlines as their global charity. In 2006, Qantas introduced a
Workplace Giving Program allowing employees to donate a proportion of their pre-tax salary to Qantas
Sharing the Spirit charities and other community organisations. Through groups such as Pathfinders and the
Qantas Cabin Crew Team, Qantas staff also continue to raise significant funds for a range of causes.
Community
Brain Research Institute Mission Australia
CanTeen National Australia Day Council
CARE Australia National Breast Cancer Foundation
Clean Up Australia Prime Minister’s Disability Awards
Clean Up The World Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Foodbank Australia Starlight Children’s Foundation
Landcare Australia UNICEF
Arts
Art Gallery of NSW National Boys Choir of Australia
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra National Gallery of Victoria
Australian Business Arts Foundation National Museum of Australia
Australian Chamber Orchestra Opera Australia
Australian Girls Choir Queensland Performing Arts Trust
Australian Youth Orchestra State Theatre Company of South Australia
Bangarra Dance Theatre Sydney Dance Company
Melbourne International Arts Festival Sydney Theatre Company
Museum of Contemporary Art The Australian Ballet
Musica Viva Australia Tropfest
Sport
Sydney FC Australian Football League
Australian Grand Prix Corporation Australian Olympic Committee
Australian Rugby Union Football Federation Australia
Tennis Australia