Qantas’ international yields slump 13% in April, despite Easter support

Qantas' international business is facing considerable strife, as an unprecedented drop off in international yields continued in Apr-2009, despite the Easter holidays falling in the month. International yield, excluding foreign exchange, plunged 13% last month, according to The Centre's estimates, after an 11% fall in Mar-2009. The weakness of the US dollar over the past few weeks could help cushion Qantas' international yields in May-2009 (as it is predominantly an outbound carrier), but revenues on the US route would be hit, adding to already remarkable pricing competition in that market as Delta prepares to enter.