Qantas has opened its product innovation center in Adelaide, Australia.
The offices will be the base for Qantas' technology product development teams, including product managers, digital experience designers, software engineers and data and artificial intelligence (AI) specialists. The first 50 employees have already started working at the offices.
The Sydney-based airline announced plans to open the center last November with support from the South Australian government.
A pilot team of Qantas employees was placed in a temporary space in March, and the first 50 employees have since started working from the new offices.
Qantas said it is currently recruiting to fill another 40 roles, with plans to grow to over 400 digital and technology roles over the next three years.
Rachel Yangoyan, Qantas Group’s chief technology, AI and transformation officer, highlighted the center's location, noting that Adelaide gives Qantas access to a tech community and nearby universities. The airline has partnered with Adelaide University, specifically, to build graduate recruitment pathways. The first round of graduates will start at Qantas in February.
"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 center is central to that,” Yangoyan said.
"It's already helping us tap into some of the best talent in the country to build more personalized travel experiences for the millions of customers who fly with us every year."