- Qantas pledges additional A$80 million ($52 million) to address customer complaints.
- The airline warns of potential fare increases due to a significant jump in fuel prices.
- Legal troubles including antitrust accusations and union lawsuit further stress the airline.
Australia's Largest Airline Faces Investor Concerns Amid Rising Costs
SYDNEY — In response to mounting service complaints, Qantas Airways, Australia's premier airline, announced a commitment of an additional A$80 million ($52 million) towards improving the customer experience. However, it also cautioned that the persistent surge in fuel prices might necessitate higher ticket prices from their current elevated levels.
This declaration led to a drop in Qantas' share value by 2.5%, touching a one-year low, as stakeholders express skepticism over the airline's capability to expand profit amidst rising expenses.
The airline, helmed by a new CEO, is grappling with dual challenges: addressing grievances related to widespread service inadequacies and assuring shareholders of its ability to manage the increasing costs due to the oil supply crunch.
Qantas' credibility has taken a hit locally, thanks to a series of flight cancellations, mismanaged post-pandemic travel resurgence, and incidents of misplaced baggage. Moreover, legal tribulations further darken the skies for Qantas. Just last month, the antitrust regulator filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging fare sales on flights that were already cancelled in 2022. Adding to their challenges, the High Court ruled against Qantas in a union lawsuit, deeming the 2020 dismissal of several thousand ground staff unlawful.
In a recent trading statement, the airline detailed its additional investment, stating it would tackle customer dissatisfaction by enhancing resources and training for contact centres, re-evaluating longstanding policies for fairness, refining inflight catering, and offering superior support during operational glitches.
Yet, the economic challenge remains. The anticipated fuel expenses for the upcoming half-year could skyrocket by A$200 million ($129 million) to A$2.8 billion, given the 30% hike in fuel rates since May. While Qantas aims to bear these escalating costs, it also intends to review fuel prices in the forthcoming weeks and recalibrate its strategies if necessary. The airline emphasized that adjustments would aim to offset higher costs while maintaining the affordability of air travel, especially when fares are already at a premium.
Analyst Owen Birrell from RBC Capital Markets opined that Qantas might take on the augmented fuel expenses until its desired profit margins feel the strain. Following that, the airline might consider reducing capacity and elevating fares. Birrell stated in a client report, "With growing competition, increasing financial strains on consumers and businesses, and the anticipated reinvestment in services, a significant earnings alteration seems unlikely."
