The funds add to a previously committed $150 million.

Qantas said the funds would be spent across 2024 and aimed at addressng what it called pain points which included its call centre.

It would also include an increase in the number of seats that can be redeemed with Frequent Flyer points, more generous recovery support when operational issues arise, a review of longstanding for fairness and improvements to the quality of inflight catering.

The airline also said overall travel demand remained strong and trading conditions in the first quarter of 2024 similar to the last quarter of 2023.

You might like

Archive

Knight’s Choice wins the 2024 Melbourne Cup

Archive

‘Vile’ neo-Nazi protesters climb Indigenous sacred site

“Qantas and Jetstar expect to carry more than 4 million passengers over the September-October school holidays and football finals period on almost 35,000 domestic and interntional services,” the airline said.

“This compares with around 3.7 million passengers on approximately 28,000 services for the same four-week period last year.

“Latest survey data shows that travel remains a top spending priority among Qantas Frequent Flyers over the next six months, well ahead of entertainment, renovations and homewares.”

However, the company said fuel prices had increased by about 30 per cent since May this year, which included a 10 per cent spike in August.

“If sustained, this is expected to see the group’s first half 2024 fuel bill increase by approximately $200 million to $2.8 billion, after hedging,” Qantas said.

“The groups will continue to absorb these higher costs, but will monitor fuel prices in the weeks ahead and, if current levels are sustained, will look to adjust its settings.

That comes as Vanessa Hudson only recently took control of the airline.

“Any changes would look to balance the recovery of higher costs with the importance of affordable travel in an environment where fares area already elevated.”