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Flight Centre Travel Group achieved an AUD$106million underlying profit before tax for the half year to December 31, 2023.
The leisure business’s AUD$60million underlying PBT exceeded pre-pandemic levels and was:
- Circa 30-times the AUD$2million FY23 first half (1H) result; and
- Double the AUD$30million FY19 1H underlying PBT.
Underlying corporate PBT increased 53 per cent to AUD$93million, during another period of healthy, organic growth and ahead of the Productive Operations initiative’s benefits being realised.
Total transaction value increased 15 per cent to AUD$11.3billion, delivering FCTG’s second strongest start to a year.
Corporate TTV increased 16.8 per cent to a record AUD$5.9billion, as the business again achieved new sales milestones and comfortably outpaced the broader corporate travel sector’s recovery.
Leisure TTV increased 18 per cent to AUD$5.2billion, with scale benefits being achieved across a diverse mass market, luxury, complementary and independent brand range.
“Flight Centre Travel Group New Zealand has had a positive first half of the financial year with both leisure and corporate travel demand remaining steady, despite the high cost of living and other economic uncertainty,” says Flight Centre Travel Group New Zealand managing director Victoria Courtney.
“The corporate arm of Flight Centre Travel Group has continued its recovery as travel remains critical for the success of many New Zealand businesses. Our corporate brands – FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller – have been successful in securing new business and continue to have outstanding business retention rates, contributing to a solid performance.
“In the leisure space, we’ve grown our red and white footprint – recently opening new Flight Centre stores at St Lukes Mall in Auckland and Tauranga Crossing Mall, with more planned before June 30. We continue to pride ourselves on opening up the world for those who want to see.
“Our luxury brand, Travel Associates, has also increased its footprint with the opening of its Mt Eden, Auckland store, as well as a successful recruitment drive that is already contributing to a strong performance. We’re well placed to continue our growth in this high-end market for the second half of the year.
“In the Independent space, we continue to take on experienced and passionate agents who are thriving, with an incredible start to the financial year and a healthy forecast for ongoing growth.
“Travel Money NZ is now trading from eight locations, with further expansion planned. The return of this brand has been well received by the market with trading results reflecting this.
“With the culmination of increased airline capacity, more typical, seasonal demand and thus more competitive airfares – it’s set to be another positive six months ahead. We look forward to building on the first half of the year as we continue to offer incredible travel experiences to corporate and leisure travellers alike.”
