Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce is basking in the glow of the airline's record first half profit, and plans to stick around for more.
With Qantas having bounced back from a record $2.8 billion loss in 2014 to a $557 million annual profit a year later, some media had speculated whether Mr Joyce would consider his job done.
But the Irishman, who took on the role in 2008, on Tuesday said he still has work to do despite Qantas maintaining its upward trajectory with a record $668 million first half profit.
"I've always said that if I'm enjoying it, I have a lot more to deliver and I still have a passion for the job - and the board and shareholders want me to continue - I'll continue," Mr Joyce told reporters.
"I'm going to be here for some time. There's no plans to leave: there's a lot more to do and I'm very energetic about it."
Shareholders are unlikely to complain.
Qantas still has not paid a dividend since 2008's interim 18 cents per security, but announced a $500 million share buyback that will take the amount of cash returned to shareholders past $1 billion in a year.
Mr Joyce, who joined Qantas in 2000 and succeeded Geoff Dixon as company chief, said he was young enough to continue for some time.
"I'm only 50 this year. I think Geoff Dixon retired when he was 72," Mr Joyce said.
"If I last that long, I'll have another 22 years as CEO, although I don't think I'll last that long."
Mr Joyce attributed Qantas' turnaround in large part to the so-called transformation initiative he implemented two years ago, cutting jobs and costs while investing in new aircraft and customer facilities.
IG market analyst Evan Lucas hailed Mr Joyce's contribution.
"The underlying numbers are really positive," Mr Lucas said.
"Alan Joyce will have a smile from ear to ear with what he can tell you today."
