Qantas international ops lose $93.3m in H2

The international segment of Australian airline Qantas, which is expected to launch its alliance with Emirates on March 31, lost AUS$91m (US$93.3m) during the last six months of 2012, the company announced on Thursday.

The loss was a 65 percent improvement compared to the same period in 2011.

Qantas Group, which also operates Qantas and low-cost carrier Jetstar domestically, reported a total profit of AUS$111m for the last six months of 2012, up 164 percent and in line with expectations.

Qantas International has been losing money for several years. The proposed partnership with Emirates is part of the company’s plan to creating new and strengthen existing alliances in a bid to improve its financial position.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim approval for the proposed Qantas-Emirates partnership, with a final decision due in March.