Australia's flag carrier Qantas Airways declared a special dividend for the first time in more than two decades, with the company also reporting a first-half profit on Thursday that rose 11% on the back of strong demand.

Australia’s major airline will pay a dividend for the first time since 2019 after a rise in fiscal first-half profit.

The airline also outlined plans to refurbish dozens of Boeing 737 aircraft as it grapples with high demand but a lack of new planes.