"Since the global financial crisis, Qantas has confronted a fiercely difficult operating environment -- including the strong Australian dollar and record jet fuel costs, which have exacerbated Qantas' high cost base," he added. "The Australian international market is the toughest anywhere in the world." Joyce said Qantas expected to report a loss before tax in the six months to December 31 of Australian dollar 250-300 million, with passenger loads slipping significantly in November as increased competition drove down the Australian carrier's market share. Fuel costs for the half-year were Australian dollar 2.27 billion -- Australian dollar 88 million higher than in the second half of 2012.