Qantas posts $1.7b loss but CEO Alan Joyce sees international flights back by Christmas

Qantas has posted another massive COVID-related loss but is optimistic international travel will resume before Christmas. 

Chief executive Alan Joyce is now betting national cabinet's 80 percent threshold for vaccinations will see international borders open and domestic restrictions eased. 

Confirming the $1.7 billion profit hit and $16 billion in lost revenue, Mr Joyce told ABC's Peter Ryan the past year has been "diabolical" for the airline.