Qantas Centre of Excellence to open in Adelaide
Qantas will open the first of its kind, Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s central business district, focused on technology that will employ 420 people and further strengthen South Australia’s position as a national leader in digital innovation.
The Centre, the first one outside of Sydney, will significantly enhance South Australia’s innovation ecosystem and digital capabilities, consolidating Qantas’ technology and digital teams into a single regional delivery hub.
The new Centre is expected to create 420 roles by the end of 2028 across UI/UX designers, software developers, business analysts and product owners. Employees will be supported by a local leadership team and dedicated HR and administrative staff, ensuring strong regional capability while maintain close alignment with Qantas’ national operations and headquarters.
“Adelaide offers access to world-class universities, a thriving technology sector and the ability to scale our in-house capability,” said Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson. “This is why we’re excited to be working with the South Australian Government to start and grow our new Centre.
“By bringing together the best Australian talent, the Centre will transform how we deliver for our customers, creating smarter, more seamless travel experiences for millions of Qantas customers.”
The Centre will also benefit from strategic partnerships, including a future workforce collaboration with Adelaide University to attract and develop top graduate talent, building a strong pipeline of professionals with advanced AI and digital skillsets.
“Adelaide University is pleased to be entering into a strategic partnership with one of Australia’s best-known enterprises, Qantas,” said Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, Adelaide University. “Qantas and Adelaide University share a mutual interest in driving innovation and technological advancements, especially in the field of AI, supporting workforce development and contributing to the long-term future of Australia’s aviation sector.”
Through the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), the partnership will support research collaboration, providing scholarships for PhD and Honours students in the Institute’s Industrial AI Program.