Qantas last month said that it was considering “strategic acquisitions” for some of its other businesses. Press speculation has suggested that this will be the purchase of Linfox, one of Australia’s leading road freight operators. This is likely to be designed to strengthen its freight division within Australia.

Qantas is also believed to be planning to fl oat its freight division as an independent business and any acquisition will help strengthen the business before the sale. Qantas announced profi ts up 50 percent over the year.