The airline is setting up a new digital centre in Adelaide aimed at hiring more than 400 specialists in artificial intelligence, data science and software engineering. The goal is to transform how customers interact with the airline while signalling how swiftly the aviation sector is adopting smarter digital tools, and whether these tools can deliver truly seamless travel experiences.
The centre will be based in Adelaide’s CBD and is supported by the South Australian government. It is scheduled to open in March next year. It will bring together technology teams responsible for developing digital customer experiences, improving baggage tracking and personalising services through the Qantas app. The state government has described the initiative as a significant step forward for Australia's high-tech job market, although financial details of its support have not been disclosed.
Staff at the hub will work on innovations including AI-powered customer support systems and predictive maintenance technology, which Qantas already uses internally to enhance reliability. The airline will also collaborate with partners such as Adelaide University and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning to build a strong talent pipeline. New graduate pathways will be created to support long-term employment at the centre.
This announcement comes as Qantas prepares to launch its ultra-long-haul “Project Sunrise” flights in early 2027. These nonstop flights, linking cities like Sydney with New York or London and lasting over 20 hours, reflect the airline's wider strategy of combining advanced technology with ambitious expansion. While expectations are high, success will depend on the effectiveness of these digital upgrades in meeting both customer needs and operational goals.
