Qantas Revamps Loyalty Program, Reports $1.46 Billion Profit

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 25, 2026 10:10 PM ET

Qantas has recently announced significant changes to its loyalty program, aiming to enhance member benefits and attract more customers. The new initiative allows members to earn status credits through spending at retail partners, changing how frequent flyer benefits are accessed.

Overview of Qantas Loyalty Program Changes

Effective immediately, Qantas will eliminate the traditional “attain and retain” thresholds for frequent flyer status credits. This alteration enables members to earn additional credits not only through air travel but also by engaging with selected retail partners. Up to 140 extra status credits can be earned each year, improving accessibility to premium services like priority boarding and airport lounge access.

Key Features of the Revamped Program

Members can earn status credits from ten retail partners.
Removal of the need to reach specific thresholds for status maintenance.
Enhanced rewards for frequent travelers and loyal members.

According to Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, this approach aims to provide greater value to members, allowing them to carry over their hard-earned status credits into future years. There is a focus on rewarding those who frequently exceed their tier requirements, while urging others to engage more actively in order to maintain their status.

Qantas Financial Performance

Alongside changes to its loyalty program, Qantas has reported a strong financial performance with a pre-tax profit of $1.46 billion for the half year. This represents a $71 million increase compared to the previous period, attributed to robust consumer demand and the efficiency gains from new aircraft, including the Airbus fleet.

Factors Contributing to Profit Growth

Increased travel demand post-pandemic.
Enhanced fleet efficiency leading to cost savings.
Strong performance from budget airline Jetstar, benefiting from new aircraft.

Jetstar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qantas, also contributed significantly to the airline’s earnings. Hudson noted that around 60% of Jetstar’s profitability increase was due to advancements in its fleet and an expanded network of routes.

Expansion Plans and Job Creation

Qantas is set to create 8,500 jobs by 2030, with plans to hire 3,500 cabin crew and over 1,000 pilots. Additionally, a new Jetstar cabin crew base will open soon in Perth, adding 90 jobs to the workforce. The airline is also re-establishing a cabin crew base in Singapore which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Future Collaborations and Union Relations

As Qantas embarks on this ambitious expansion, it seeks to improve relationships with unions. Hudson aims to foster collaborative partnerships, especially with the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The airline previously faced criticism for its treatment of staff during the pandemic, which included widespread layoffs that were deemed unlawful.

While some union leaders remain cautious about Qantas’ expansion, Hudson asserts that constructive dialogue with union representatives is key to the airline’s growth strategy. Despite differing views on staffing, she emphasizes the importance of shared objectives between unions and management.

In conclusion, Qantas is striving to transform its loyalty program and enhance its service offerings while maintaining a focus on profitability and job creation. As the airline navigates these changes, it remains optimistic about future market opportunities, especially with new routes like the direct connection to Las Vegas.