Qantas to cut 850 jobs as it rushes to keep pace with AI

Australian airline Qantas announced plans to cut 850 jobs as it seeks to keep up with the rapid advances in artificial intelligence. The nation's largest carrier said it had entered into a deal with consulting firm Accenture to overhaul its back-end systems, with roles in India taking on some of the new responsibilities. CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed understanding for the difficult news, clarifying that the decision was not a reflection of the employees' contributions or commitment.

The job cuts are set to begin in mid-2027. Hudson emphasized that AI would fundamentally change the airline industry worldwide, describing the pace of change as unprecedented. Qantas is also set to undertake the largest fleet renewal in its history, adding 17 new aircraft during the past financial year and expecting up to 31 more in the coming year. This investment will enable Qantas to begin retiring its double-decker A380 fleet from 2028.