Qantas Partners with Accenture to Accelerate Technology and AI Transformation

Qantas Group has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with Accenture. The collaboration aims to modernise the airline's back-end systems, processes, and data infrastructure. Supports Qantas' broader investment in technology, AI, and fleet renewal.

Why It Matters
- Qantas currently operates with more than 1,000 legacy applications, many of which were not designed to work together.
- Modernisation will help:
- Reduce operational complexity.
- Improve data connectivity.
- Accelerate AI adoption.
- Drive innovation across the business.

Investment in Technology
- Qantas invests more than A$1 billion annually in technology.
- The new Qantas Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide is expected to grow to more than 400 roles.
- Thousands of employees are already using AI tools in their daily work.

Accenture's Role
- Accenture will help redesign and simplify parts of Qantas' corporate functions.
- Some services will transition to Accenture teams, primarily in India and partly in Australia.
- The company will also invest upfront in modernising Qantas' data platforms.

Workforce Impact
- Around 850 Qantas Group roles are expected to be affected over the coming years.
- Employee and union consultations will take place before outcomes are finalised.
- The first phase of changes is expected by mid-2027.

Benefits Expected
- Faster innovation and AI deployment.
- More streamlined business processes.
- Improved customer and employee experiences.
- Stronger data integration across the airline's operations.

Qantas Growth Continues
- Despite the workforce changes, Qantas remains a net employer.
- More than 4,400 new operational jobs have been created since 2023, including:
- Pilots
- Cabin crew
- Engineers
- Additional hiring is expected as the airline continues its fleet expansion program.

Why It Matters
- The partnership marks one of Qantas' most significant technology transformation initiatives, positioning the airline to leverage AI more effectively while modernising decades-old systems to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving aviation industry.