Qantas’ new Adelaide innovation hub is no longer just a plan on paper, with the first team of employees now officially on the ground and hundreds more high-tech jobs set to follow.
The airline’s new Product Innovation Centre has started operating from a temporary space ahead of its full opening later this year, marking a major step in South Australia’s push to cement itself as a national leader in digital innovation, AI and advanced tech jobs.
Once complete in the middle of the year, the Adelaide-based centre is expected to house more than 400 technology roles. The hub will bring together product managers, designers, software engineers, plus data and AI specialists, all working on the digital tools and platforms used by Qantas customers and staff.
That includes improvements to the Qantas App, along with internal tools designed to help frontline staff better support customers throughout their journey, from booking through to baggage collection.
Minister for State Development and Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Chris Picton said the arrival of the first team was an important milestone.
“Qantas choosing Adelaide for its Product Innovation Centre highlights the strength and capability of our local workforce and education pathways.”
“Our state’s been a leader in AI and this investment will help position SA at the forefront of innovation,” he said.
The first intake of 12 highly skilled employees has already started work, designing and building digital features that will eventually be used by Qantas travellers every day. Qantas says it is also already recruiting close to 40 additional roles ahead of the centre’s formal opening, with plans to grow the workforce significantly over the coming years.
The initiative has been made possible through a landmark commercial agreement between the Malinauskas Government and Qantas, and is being positioned as a key project in building the state’s future workforce.
Rachel Yangoyan, Qantas Group Chief Technology, AI and Transformation Officer said the states has a thriving technology community
“We’re already hiring close to 40 roles ahead of the centre opening in another few months and are on track to hire hundreds more over the next few years.”
“The Centre will be the foundation of our AI first way of working to help us turn ideas into reality faster to that we can continually improve the journey from the booking process through to picking up your bags.”
