Qantas has announced it is setting up a new Product Innovation Center in Adelaide that will house more than 420 technology professionals over the next three years, marking a significant investment in bringing digital development capabilities in-house.
The center, backed by the Government of South Australia, is scheduled to open in Adelaide’s central business district in March 2026. It will serve as the hub for the airline’s technology product development, bringing together product managers, digital experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists focused on improving how customers interact with Qantas throughout their travel experience.
We’ve made a landmark agreement with Qantas that’s projected to deliver more than 420 new technology jobs in South Australia.
Under the agreement, Qantas will establish a dedicated Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s CBD – the first of its kind outside of Sydney.
We’re… pic.twitter.com/OYhwgNzuXl
— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) November 13, 2025
Qantas said the facility aims to enhance digital services across the customer journey, from app functionality and check-in processes to baggage tracking. Teams will also develop AI-powered tools designed to assist both customers and frontline staff when travel disruptions occur.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the center would transform 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,” she said.
“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,” Hudson added. “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.”
The airline is partnering with Adelaide University to create graduate recruitment pathways directly into the center, offering South Australian students opportunities to work on aviation technology projects.
South Australian Premier the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP welcomed the investment.
“This historic agreement with Qantas will help supercharge growth in new highly skilled, high tech jobs.”
“Through strategic partnerships under this agreement, including the collaboration between Adelaide University and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), we are building a strong pipeline of talent with advanced AI and digital skillsets,” Malinauskas said.The Adelaide center is the latest in a series of Qantas investments in South Australia, following the recent opening of an expanded lounge area at Adelaide Airport (ADL) and the resumption of international service between Adelaide and Auckland in November 2025.
