Qantas to slash 850 Australian jobs, shift work to India

Qantas Airways has announced plans to cut 850 Australian jobs as part of a broader operational restructuring that will see significant functions outsourced internationally, including to India. The cost-reduction initiative will initially impact employees across the carrier's finance, procurement, human resources and marketing divisions, with the job losses expected to begin in mid-2027.

The airline's decision reflects a growing trend among major international carriers seeking to optimize operational costs through workforce rationalization and offshore service delivery. By relocating back-office functions to lower-cost regions, Qantas aims to redirect resources toward core aviation operations and customer-facing services.

The cuts represent a substantial workforce reduction for Australia's largest airline at a time when the aviation sector continues navigating post-pandemic recovery and evolving consumer demand patterns. The company has not yet disclosed the full financial implications or additional details regarding affected employee transition arrangements.

Qantas' restructuring aligns with similar strategies adopted by international carriers and multinational corporations seeking operational efficiency gains. The airline's decision underscores the competitive pressures facing the aviation industry globally and the ongoing shift toward offshore service models across finance, human resources and administrative functions.