In a significant move, Riyadh Air has joined forces with IBM to revolutionize the future of air travel.
The partnership, marked by a strategic agreement, appoints IBM Consulting as the lead systems integrator to establish the technological foundation for Riyadh Air’s digital transformation, aimed at delivering exceptional and seamless travel experiences.
Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting partnership
Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have jointly formulated the airline’s digital and technology strategy. The next phase involves implementing and integrating over 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities. These include security, infrastructure, integration, and data platforms, all facilitated through a hybrid cloud approach.
IBM Consulting will also coordinate the efforts of more than 40 partners, offering programme and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management, and training.
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This collaboration is poised to position Riyadh Air as a digital innovator in the aviation industry, with a focus on personalized and seamless guest experiences, powered by AI and cutting-edge digital technology. The vision extends to empowering employees with data-driven insights and modernized working methods to enhance guest service.
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, expressed the airline’s ambition: “Our goal is to launch our inaugural flight in 2025 and position Riyadh Air at the forefront of digital technology and innovation within the aviation sector. IBM Consulting will be our key partner in realizing this vision, given their extensive experience in managing large, complex systems and integration programs.”
Potential of technology in aviation
IBM Consulting is eager to contribute to Riyadh Air’s mission. John Granger, Senior Vice President of IBM Consulting, emphasized the potential of technology in achieving Riyadh Air’s goals: “A technology foundation built with an open, hybrid cloud approach and AI can help them achieve the flexibility and agility needed to support their goal of delivering an exceptional travel experience for their guests.”
IBM Consulting will play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining Riyadh Air’s hybrid cloud integration platform, using IBM CloudPak for Integration and Red Hat OpenShift. This platform will serve as a hub for integration tools, enabling seamless connections between applications and data within a unified user experience.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Riyadh Air’s digital and technology strategy is closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It aims to transform the nation into a global aviation and trade hub, leveraging its strategic location.
As Riyadh Air strives to bring the future of air travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IBM Consulting, with its expertise in hybrid cloud and AI technologies, stands ready to drive the airline’s digital transformation and help it create memorable travel experiences for guests.
IBM Consulting
IBM Consulting specializes in business transformation, harnessing hybrid cloud and AI technologies. With a focus on strategy, experience design, technology, and operations, they work closely with their clients to modernize and secure complex systems. Leveraging their open ecosystem of partners and their co-creation method, IBM Garage, they collaborate with their clients to invent and build the future together.
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air, a digitally native airline, is dedicated to providing exceptional and seamless travel experiences to its guests. Their mission is to become a world-class airline, offering personalized services and leveraging state-of-the-art digital technology.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
