On Monday, Australia's largest carrier Qantas shared that, on the back of improved economic conditions and a rise in passenger numbers, it is looking to restore the services that were pulled back during the global financial crisis, while also forecasting earnings of up-to A$150 Million ($133 Million) for the ongoing half-year for 2009.

As confirmed by Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce, the airline is looking to add over 340,000 seats beginning in March across all its domestic routes, as passenger number grow with the world finally emerging out of the recession.

"We are seeing some improvements in domestic demand and so the time is right to begin restoring capacity to ensure we are well placed to meet that demand", Chief Executive Joyce said.

For 6 months up-to December 31, Qantas is now expecting earnings before tax to fall between the range of A$50 Million to A$150 Million, and while this is much below the A$288 Million worth of earnings that were bagged for the same period last year, the figure is a substantial improvement as compared to the loss of A$107 Million incurred for 2008's second half.

"We will continue to monitor demand with a view to restoring further capacity at the appropriate time", Mr. Joyce shared.