Qantas has officially opened its new Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide, with more than 400 digital and technology jobs set to be created over the next three years.
The purpose-built Adelaide CBD centre will bring together software engineers, product managers, digital designers, data specialists and artificial intelligence experts to develop the airline’s next generation of digital products.
The first 50 employees are already working from the new offices, while Qantas is currently recruiting for another 40 roles. Qantas says around half of the initial employees relocated to South Australia to take up positions.
The Adelaide centre is Qantas’ first Product Innovation Centre outside Sydney and follows an agreement between the airline and the South Australian Government announced in November 2025. Earlier plans outlined more than 420 technology roles by the end of 2028.
Teams at the centre will work on the digital experience surrounding a Qantas journey, from booking flights through to helping customers manage disruptions.
A pilot team established earlier this year has already been developing real-time customer feedback tools and new digital experiences, with artificial intelligence being used during product testing, prototyping and analysis.
Qantas Group Chief Technology, AI and Transformation Officer Rachel Yangoyan said, “Where we’re heading with technology and AI is about knowing our customers better, anticipating what they need, and making every part of their journey feel connected. This Centre is central to that. It’s already helping us tap into some of the best talent in the country to build more personalised travel experiences for the millions of customers who fly with us every year.
“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 into the future.”
The airline is also working with Adelaide University to establish a graduate recruitment pathway into the centre.
The partnership extends to Adelaide University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning, with collaboration focused on areas including artificial intelligence, software engineering, digital product management and product design.
Hundreds of applications have reportedly been received for the first intake of the graduate program, which is expected to begin in February 2027.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “The Centre will create more than 400 highly-skilled digital jobs. This brings new opportunities for South Australians and helps attract some of the best and brightest from interstate to SA.
“The graduate pathway will also give the next generation of South Australian talent a direct pathway into some of Australia’s most exciting technology careers.”
