Qantas Works to Recover After Years of Underinvestment

Qantas faces an 18-month wait for new aircraft as it works to improve service quality and reliability. Years of underinvestment in fleet renewal are catching up with the airline, which is trying to turn things around under new leadership while keeping up with strong passenger demand.

The airline has been dealing with operational challenges following a decade of limited investment in new planes. Under former leadership, fleet upgrades were repeatedly delayed, leading to aging aircraft that struggle to meet current reliability expectations. The new board and management say they are committed to fixing these issues and regaining public trust.

Qantas reported a net profit of $923 million for the first half of the 2025 financial year and reinstated shareholder dividends for the first time in five years. However, its stock recently dropped 8.9% after hitting a record high, reflecting ongoing concerns about service quality. The company has ordered 24 new A350s, scheduled to arrive over the next few years, alongside plans to extend the lifespan of older aircraft through cabin refurbishments.

The airline’s focus now is on balancing profitability with service improvements, but rebuilding trust will take time. While major fleet investments aim to resolve delays and reliability issues, ensuring a positive passenger experience remains a challenge. Travellers still frustrated by past cancellations and delays will be looking for proof that change is really happening.

Source: The Australian, Qantas