Australian carrier Qantas will cut around 850 jobs and move some corporate work to India under a new partnership with technology consultancy Accenture, as it accelerates the use of artificial intelligence and automation, The Guardian reported.

Chief executive Vanessa Hudson announced the decision in an email to staff on Tuesday. She described the pace of technological change as "unprecedented," saying standing still was not an option for the airline.

The first phase of changes will affect finance, procurement, people and marketing roles. Most of these back-office functions will be delivered by Accenture teams in India, while some work will remain in Australia. Qantas said the functions would later be further transformed through automation and AI.

The job cuts are due to begin around the middle of 2027. Hudson said individual outcomes had not yet been determined and the airline would consult affected employees.

"I know this is hard news for some," Hudson wrote in the email, adding that the decision was not a reflection of the staff's contribution or commitment.

Accenture and Qantas will jointly redesign and simplify the airline's corporate functions, Hudson said. The airline chose Accenture for its large pool of data and AI specialists and its experience working with other airlines.

Qantas had confirmed in August that it was in early talks with Accenture, after reports it was considering moving up to 1,000 corporate roles to India. The Australian Services Union had sought an urgent meeting with Hudson at the time over concerns that AI could be used to mask job cuts.