Adelaide University and Qantas have inked a partnership that reflects the start of an ambitious, long-term collaboration.
The partnership coincides with the State Government’s announcement that Qantas will establish a dedicated Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s CBD – the first of its kind outside of Sydney.
As part of the new Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), the University and Qantas will explore opportunities to collaborate on projects related to talent development, workforce advancement, and innovation within the aviation sector.
Shared objectives are outlined as part of the partnership that will inspire, attract and educate the next generation of aviation industry talent, sustain and enrich the existing Qantas workforce and collaborate on business growth and innovation.
Potential activities may include future student engagement, student internships, curriculum co-design, executive and professional development, and innovation projects.
The partnership is designed as a flexible framework - it will serve as an umbrella agreement, with separate related agreements developed for specific activities and projects.
Qantas and Adelaide University are committed to exploring the following priority areas:
- Aviation expertise: Theory and real-world application across flight operations, management, and safety. Industry-aligned education and research supporting a safe, efficient, and innovative aviation sector.
- Safe and Responsible AI: Developing AI agents and systems for logistics and planning. Adapting large scale foundation models into new domains. Advances in perception and reasoning.
- Software engineering: Developing skills to design, build, and deliver high-quality software solutions. Education programs emphasising programming proficiency and modern development principles.
- Digital Product management: Building capability to guide products from concept to delivery, integrating strategic thinking, customer insight, and agile practices.
- Product design: Fostering creativity and technical expertise in user-centred product and service design. Programs emphasise design thinking, prototyping, and innovation processes.
The partnership reflects the start of an ambitious, long-term collaboration, anchored by Qantas’ commitment to establish a presence in South Australia.
Quotes regarding the Strategic Partnership Agreement:
Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, Adelaide University
“Adelaide University is pleased to be entering into a strategic partnership with one of the Australia’s best-known enterprises, Qantas.
“Qantas and Adelaide University share a mutual interest in driving innovation and technological advancements, especially in the field of AI, supporting workforce development and contributing to the long-term future of Australia’s aviation sector.”
Professor Simon Lucey, Director, Australian Institute for Machine Learning
"We’re proud to see Qantas launch its Qantas Product Innovation Centre in South Australia – reinforcing our position as an AI maker: a place where AI is created, not just applied.
“Adelaide is fast becoming a hub for AI innovation, with AIML’s research helping attract this initiative.
“This partnership will drive economic growth and train Australia’s next generation of industrial AI leaders through real-world PhD and Honours projects.”