Qantas Airways has reported its second highest profit in its 97-year history.
The Australian carrier posted a pre-tax profit of £860 million for the year to the end of June. The airline’s highest ever profit was delivered the previous year.
The airline said the profits were the result of cost cuts and robust domestic business which helped offset global competition.
Chief executive Alan Joyce said: “Three years ago, we started an ambitious turnaround program to make the Qantas Group strong and profitable. We tackled some difficult structural issues, became a lot more efficient and kept improving customer service.
“Today’s announcements show this plan has well-and-truly paid off,” Mr Joyce said in a statement.
Qantas also confirmed plans to sell non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York by 2022, according to the BBC.
The airline needs to secure planes from Airbus or Boeing that are capable of travelling the distance.
From next year Qantas will fly direct from Perth to London.
“We believe advances in technology in the next few years will make Sydney to London direct a possibility,” Mr Joyce added.