The flight from Perth to London increases Qantas' profits to a record $ 1.6 billion, despite rising fuel costs

Qantas' earnings rose to a record $ 1.6 billion this year, with 27,000 of its employees each offering a $ 2,500 bonus.

Encouraged by the success of its new non-stop Perth-to-London service, Australian flagship profits rose 14 percent from the previous fiscal year.

It is reasonable to say that customers have given their approval to a number of significant changes to International & # 39 ;, according to a Qantas statement.

& # 39; The new Perth-London route is the best rated service on our network. & # 39;

The airline has set aside $ 67 million in bonuses to share with 27,000 non-managerial staff.

"Ultimately, our success depends on the great service and dedication to our people's safety, which is supported by continuing to invest and innovate," said Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas.

We are very happy to reward our people with a bonus for this fantastic result. It puts the total amount set aside for non-executive employees in the past four years to more than $ 300 million due to their share in the exceptional performance of the Group. & # 39;

Mr. Joyce said the company "performs across the board", stimulated by "healthy demand in key sectors."

"Our investment in free WiFi and improvements to the cabin provide a better customer experience and higher revenue for Qantas and Jetstar," he said.

Mr. Joyce said the record profit came despite higher oil prices – but prices could rise to restore the increased costs that are expected to continue.

& # 39; We are seeing a further increase in our fuel bill for FY19 and we are confident that we will recover this substantially through a series of measures for capacity, revenue and cost efficiency, in addition to our hedging program & # 39 ;, he said.

The international division increased profits by seven percent, while domestic activities increased by 25 percent.

Plans to launch non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York in the next four years are now a new step closer to reality.

Work on Project Sunrise – with which direct flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York will be unlocked by 2022 – has continued to the application for a proposed phase with Airbus and Boeing, & # 39; said the airline.

The airline said it paid $ 4 million in corporation tax, the first time it had paid corporation tax since 2009.