(Updates to add a response from Qantas in the third paragraph)
Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) is in advanced negotiations with Accenture to implement a plan dubbed Project iQ that would see the airline outsource as many as 1,000 roles to India, the Australian Financial Review reported Tuesday, citing several anonymous sources briefed on the matter.
A final decision on the plan, which involves outsourcing portions of Qantas' back-office roles through greater use of artificial intelligence, is anticipated this year, according to the report.
In an emailed response to' request for comment, the company confirmed that it is in early-stage discussions with Accenture, but has not arrived at a formal agreement or decision.
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