Qantas Airways said Thursday it lifted annual net profit and saw a bright outlook for travel demand, days after it was fined for illegally firing staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Australia’s dominant airline group said rising passenger numbers boosted its financial performance, and it saw further revenue growth in the six months ahead for Qantas and its budget subsidiary Jetstar.

“While we are pleased with the progress we are making, we remain focused on further improving our performance,” chief executive Vanessa Hudson said.

“Continuing strong demand across all market segments, combined with our dual brand strategy, helped the Group grow earnings,” she said in a statement.

Qantas said revenue climbed 8.6 percent to Aus$23.8 billion (US$15.5 billion) in the 12 months to June 30, 202

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