Qantas’ international yield collapses by 24.6% in May-2009. Fares in free-fall

Qantas' international business is in serious strife. The Group's international yields, or the average price paid per distance flown, for Qantas and Jetstar collapsed by 24.6% in May-2009 (excluding exchange rate influences), according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's estimates. Domestic yields fell 8.7%, after an up-tick in April. These stark yield figures reflect the enormity of the challenge management faces to steer Qantas back into profitability amid the economic downturn and fiercely competitive airline environment.