IBM and Qantas Sign Project Delivery Agreement Innovative project services contract to assist airline's business efficiencies

SYDNEY and ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the signing of a seven-year contract with Qantas, Australia's largest airline, for the provision of project delivery functions as part of the airline's improved business efficiency goals.

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

IBM will also provide analytics and research services leveraging its Business Analytics and Optimisation consulting capability announced earlier in the year, aimed at helping Qantas improve the speed and quality of its business decisions.

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 is confident that IBM will assist us in improving efficiencies in our information technology business. We believe the model offered by IBM will improve both our business and customer experience."

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 toward 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.

    Contacts:
    Matt Mollett                                 Jan Walbridge
    IBM Media Relations - Australia              IBM Media Relations - US
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    mollett@au1.ibm.com                          walbridge@us.ibm.com