Qantas economy passenger check-in kiosks at the international airport in Sydney, Australia, on February 3, 2026. wisely / Shutterstock.comQantas plans to cut 850 jobs in Australia as part of a strategic partnership with consulting firm Accenture. The move reflects the airline's efforts to adapt to the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and modernise its operations.
The job cuts will take place over several years, with the first round expected by mid-2027, CEO Vanessa Hudson said.
The initial cuts will affect employees in finance, procurement, human resources and marketing. Qantas will also outsource some roles to Accenture, with teams primarily based in India.
The partnership forms part of a wider plan to replace legacy systems and simplify corporate operations. Qantas aims to use Accenture's expertise to accelerate its adoption of data and AI technologies.
Hudson highlighted the growing competition for specialist skills across industries.
"Through a partner we can access the data and AI skills that every industry in the world is competing for, because we cannot hire at the pace this work needs," she said.
The move highlights how AI is reshaping workforce structures and business operations across the aviation industry. By working with Accenture, Qantas aims to improve efficiency and modernise its operations.
The decision could also signal a wider shift across the airline sector, as carriers reassess staffing, outsourcing and technology investments to remain competitive.
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
