Qantas to cut 850 jobs and outsource work to India

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 01:49 · Archive

Qantas will cut more than 850 Australian jobs as part of an AI-driven corporate overhaul involving work outsourced to India.

Qantas has struck a deal with technology consulting firm Accenture to modernise its corporate operations, resulting in the loss of more than 850 jobs. Some work will be transferred to Accenture's India-based team. The changes will affect staff working in finance, procurement, human resources and marketing.

Chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the overhaul is necessary to respond to rapid changes in technology and AI. 'We need to reinvent the processes, platforms and data behind our business so we can innovate faster and deliver a better, more connected experience for our customers and our people,' she said. 'That means fundamentally redesigning how the work behind our airline gets done, so it is simpler, more connected and keeps getting better, with automation and AI built in from the start.'

Hudson acknowledged the impact on staff: 'We know this will be difficult news for some of our people and this decision is not a reflection of their contribution or commitment.' The company will begin consultation with employees and unions over the coming months, with individual outcomes not yet determined. The first wave of changes is expected to be in place by mid-2027.

The Guardian reports this is the third major corporate layoff announced in Australia in three weeks, with National Australia Bank cutting 2,500 roles and design company Canva cutting 1,200 roles, totalling around 4,550 corporate jobs targeted across the three companies.

How it is being reported

• Qantas to outsource 850 local jobs with most roles moving to IndiaThe Australian airline said the move was aimed at modernising its IT systems and noted the impact of AI.BBC World · 10 Nov, 01:38
• Qantas to cut 850 Australian jobs and outsource work to India under AI-driven overhaulAustralian carrier announces agreement with Accenture amid ‘unprecedented’ technological disruption, CEO Vanessa Hudson says Qantas is preparing to cut 850 local jobs and outsource work offshore under an AI-driven overhaul, marking a growing wave of disruption to the Australian workforce. The changes represent the third major corporate layoff plan announced in Australia in three weeks, after restructuring moves flagged by design company Canva and National Australia Bank . Continue reading...Guardian World · 10 Nov, 01:34
• Qantas to axe more than 850 jobs to India as part of major cost-cutting planThe move is part of a deal to outsource some corporate work to India.Daily Mail · 9 Nov, 23:58

In this story: Qantas · Accenture · Vanessa Hudson · India · Australia

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