Qantas has a long history of connecting Australians. Founded in outback Queensland more than a century ago, it began as a way to link isolated outback communities across a vast country. From those bush beginnings, it grew into Australia's national carrier.
But the business behind the familiar red tail is changing.
Qantas plans to cut 850 corporate jobs as it enters a deal with global technology and consulting giant Accenture, with the work to be delivered predominantly from India.
The roles are largely back-office positions in Sydney, and include finance, human resources and marketing.
Chief executive Vanessa Hudson said the changes will modernise the airline, simplify its operations and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence.
Hudson says the systems need an overhaul if the airline is to keep pace with a rapidly changing industry.
But the Australian Services Union has challenged the airline's explanation, accusing it of using AI as a justification for shifting Australian jobs offshore.
The announcement marks a significant shift for the company, but it also reflects the pressures facing an industry that has had little time to catch its breath.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought tourism to a standstill, and Qantas received $2.7 billion in taxpayer subsidies from the Morrison government.
Then, just as visitor numbers were starting to rebuild, a fresh wave of challenges arrived.
