SYDNEY: Australian carrier Qantas on Wednesday soared to a record annual net profit and announced a first payout to shareholders for seven years in a strong turnaround after major restructuring.

The airline reported a net annual profit of Aus$1.42 billion (US$1.08 billion) in the year to June 30, an 80 percent increase from the previous corresponding period.

Underlying profit before tax -- Qantas' preferred measure -- also hit a record of Aus$1.53 billion.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2016