Qantas aims for full recovery by next year

STORY: Qantas will finally get back to pre-health crisis capacity next year.

That's what Australia's flagship carrier said Friday (May 19).

Qantas expects international capacity to reach about 100% of pre-crisis levels by March 2024.

The airline also plans to add around 1 million seats to its international network from October.

There are further signs of growing demand.

Qantas has brought back five international aircraft into its fleet over the past six month, and will lease two more soon.

CEO Alan Joyce said demand for international travel has been 'incredibly strong' since health crisis restrictions ended.

Qantas swung to a record profit in the first half of this financial year.

That was driven by huge demand, which led to higher fares and earnings.

Qantas said it would need about 300 more pilots and cabin crew by the end of the year to support more flying.

Shares in the airline gained around 1% following the update.