Qantas is creating a new product innovation centre in Adelaide to accelerate the development of more intuitive, world-leading digital services for the millions who fly with the airline each year. The hub is expected to house more than 420 highly skilled technology roles over the next three years, enabling Qantas to bring essential innovation capability back in-house. Backed by the South Australian Government, the purpose-built centre will open in Adelaide’s CBD in March 2026.
The facility will serve as the core base for the airline’s technology product teams, bringing together product managers, digital-experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists. Their remit is to rethink how customers interact with Qantas at every stage of travel, from booking and check-in to inflight services and baggage collection.
In partnership with Adelaide University, Qantas will establish direct graduate-recruitment pathways into the centre, giving South Australian students a route into the aviation-technology sector. The aim is to support future skills development while contributing to the long-term innovation capacity of the region.
By consolidating key digital functions internally, Qantas plans to strengthen its broader strategic initiatives. These include the expansion of its domestic and international network, the rollout of new customer-experience features, and the development of AI-powered tools designed to support frontline staff during operational disruptions.
For travellers, the centre is expected to deliver tangible improvements across multiple digital touchpoints. Enhanced app performance, seamless check-in processes and more intelligent baggage-tracking systems are among the anticipated upgrades. The hub will also focus on AI-driven support functions to assist customers when travel does not go to plan.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the centre would mark a turning point in how the airline delivers customer experiences. “Innovation has been a core part of the airline’s DNA for more than 100 years. This Centre marks a new chapter in our efforts to reimagine the travel experience for the millions of customers who fly with us.”
Hudson stressed the role of technology in raising service standards. “Technology and AI is critical to lifting the customer experience at every part of the journey, from booking to inflight and baggage collection. This new hub will bring the best Australian skilled talent together to build digital products and experiences that make travel easier and more personalised.”
She added that Adelaide offers strong foundations for growth. “Adelaide gives us access to world-class universities, a thriving tech community, and the ability to scale our in-house capability. It’s an investment in Australian innovation that will deliver real benefits for our customers.”
