Qantas taps Accenture for AI-driven overhaul, about 850 roles affected

On 2026-11-10, Qantas Group announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Accenture to modernize its back-office systems, business processes, and data platforms, while increasing investment in AI. According to a report cited by Jiemian, the collaboration will involve changes to corporate functions, with some services being delivered by Accenture, primarily by its India-based teams alongside some Australian teams, followed by further automation and AI integration. Qantas expects approximately 850 roles within the group to be affected over the coming years, with the first adjustments projected to be implemented before mid-2027. The company stated it would consult with affected employees and unions, and would seek to redeploy staff, provide reskilling, and offer other support wherever possible.

The Guardian reported the news the same day, noting that Qantas was preparing to cut 850 local jobs in Australia and outsource work offshore as part of an AI-driven overhaul, while also reaching an agreement with Accenture. CEO Vanessa Hudson described the company as facing an 'unprecedented' technological disruption. The Guardian also reported that this marked the third major corporate layoff plan announced in Australia within three weeks. Both reports were published on 2026-11-10.