Qantas Share Price Jumps Over 2% as Strategic Moves Boost Investor Confidence
Qantas Airways (ASX: QAN) shares surged by 2.26% today, reaching $10.635 by midday trading on the ASX, supported by strong investor sentiment and a series of positive developments. The jump follows recent announcements regarding new global partnerships, expanded flight routes, loyalty program enhancements, and an attractive bonus points offer for domestic travellers. The surge builds on a strong year for Qantas, with its stock price having climbed 70.98% over the past 12 months, far outpacing the ASX 200 and sector averages.
Today’s price movement reflects not only market momentum but also strong fundamentals and an improving operational landscape for Australia’s national carrier.
Stock market performance of Qantas’ stock over 1 year [Market Index]
Qantas Freight Expands in Europe via Global GSA Group Deal
A major strategic development came this week as Qantas Freight inked a three-year agreement with Netherlands-based Global GSA Group, naming them General Sales Agent (GSA) in Europe. The move enhances Qantas’ reach across the continent by pairing its direct services from Rome and Paris with Global GSA Group’s extensive interline network.
Aytekin Saray, CEO of Global GSA Group, stated:
“As the only Australian carrier providing direct services from two European ports to Australia with connections to broader Oceania destinations, Qantas offers a huge network of opportunity for European freight forwarders.”
Qantas’ services from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) will benefit from this collaboration, which supports both seasonal and year-round cargo operations using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with around 45 tonnes of weekly cargo uplift. Connections from Perth (PER) and Sydney (SYD) feed into major Australian and Oceania destinations.
Igor Kwiatkowski, Executive Manager of Qantas Freight, commented:
“This strategic partnership allows us to make the most of cargo network in the region and make it easier for freight forwarders to access our capacity from Europe to Australia.”
Aytekin Saray of Global GSA Group and Mallory Logan from Qantas Freight formalised the GSA partnership through a signed agreement. [Credit: Global GSA Group]
More Flights from Vancouver: Open Skies Agreement Encourages Expansion
Another notable development comes from North America, where Qantas is set to increase flights between Sydney and Vancouver to daily in January 2026. The move coincides with the commencement of the Open Skies agreement between Australia and Canada on January 1, 2026, which allows for unlimited non-stop flights between the two nations.
Russell Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority, noted:
“The Open Skies agreement… provides certainty moving forward, when we get these sort of policies, so we can continue to grow air service.”
Russell Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority [LinkedIn]
Qantas currently operates three weekly flights on the 236-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and will increase the frequency to daily for most of January, before scaling back to four per week through March. The competition with Air Canada, which flies daily to Sydney and Brisbane, is expected to intensify, offering consumers more flexibility but at a premium—non-stop round-trip fares from Vancouver to Sydney hover around $1,889, with one-stop routes available at lower rates.
Loyalty Gets a Makeover: David Jones Partners with Qantas Frequent Flyer
In a move that blends retail and travel, David Jones has announced a landmark partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer, allowing customers to earn and redeem Qantas Points when shopping in-store or online. This integration forms part of the department store’s upcoming David Jones Rewards program, set to launch later this year.
Scott Fyfe, CEO of David Jones, commented:
“We are incredibly proud to bring together two iconic Australian brands… and give Qantas members access to the David Jones premium brand curation.”
The partnership aims to tap into the spending habits of Qantas’ 17 million Frequent Flyer members, many of whom already shop at David Jones. The new app-based loyalty program will serve as a central hub for tracking points, accessing offers, and managing redemptions.
Andrew Glance, CEO of Qantas Loyalty, added:
“One in two Qantas Frequent Flyers already shop regularly at David Jones… The number of points members have earned through retailers has doubled in the last five years.”
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Triple Qantas Points on Queensland Domestic Flights
Adding to the buzz, Qantas launched a bonus points promotion offering triple Qantas Points on all eligible domestic travel to/from Queensland, booked between June 5–9, 2025, for travel through May 24, 2026. This promotion is valid on flights operated by Qantas or QF-coded flights with select regional carriers like Alliance Airlines and Sunstate Airlines.
Eligible flights must be new bookings and either depart from or arrive at a Queensland airport, according to Qantas’ promotional terms. The campaign rewards early planners and aims to capitalise on growing domestic travel demand ahead of the 2025–26 holiday period.
Investor Outlook: Qantas Shows Strong Market Position
Qantas’ current market capitalisation stands at $16.09 billion, with an ASX Rank of 40 out of 2,324 companies, reinforcing its standing as a blue-chip stock within the Industrials sector. The company has seen impressive year-to-date performance of 18.56% and an exceptional one-year return of 70.98%, outpacing sector and broader index growth.
With strategic international partnerships, enhanced air freight operations, expanding flight routes, and integrated loyalty offerings, Qantas is positioning itself as a global aviation and lifestyle brand.
If momentum continues, shareholders and travellers alike may enjoy even more rewards in the skies and on the ground.
