IBM today announced the signing of a contract with Qantas, Australia's largest airline, for the provision of project delivery functions, as part of the airline's improved business efficiency goals.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

Under the agreement, IBM will bring a combination of project management delivery expertise, deep industry knowledge and proven process, tools and training capabilities to Qantas' project portfolio to ensure timely and value creating delivery of business and IT change programs.

David Hall, Qantas Executive Manager of Corporate Services and Technology, said the agreement with IBM will enable a fast transformation, increased efficiencies, and improved customer experience.

"Qantas believes the partnership with IBM will give us access to IBM's scale, strength, expertise, and the latest tools and technologies available in the global marketplace.

We are confident that IBM will deliver significant benefits to our business."

Under the contract, Qantas will gain access to IBM's deep research, analytics and business optimisation capabilities.

"Qantas' partnership with IBM represents a major step towards the airline's mission to lead and innovate in the competitive airline industry," said Katie Bambrick, IBM Global Business Services Managing Partner for Australia and New Zealand.

"Drawing on IBM's advanced technologies and the airline industry expertise IBM has built over the last half-century, this partnership has an exciting future," said Ms Bambrick.

IBM partners with many of the world's leading airlines to deliver IT and business transformation programmes that leverage its deep industry knowledge, strategic consulting and large-scale IT outsourcing capabilities.

About Qantas

Qantas is recognised as one of the world's leading long distance airlines, having pioneered services from Australia to North America and Europe. The Qantas Group employs approximately 36,000 people and offers services across a network covering 151 destinations in 38 countries.

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SOURCE: IBM