Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s second national carrier, Riyadh Air, inked a strategic agreement with IBM, the global provider of hybrid cloud and AI, to adopt leading-edge technologies in the aviation industry, the companies announced in a press release.
Riyadh Air will join efforts with IBM Consulting to create and build mission-critical technology and business capabilities to offer seamless and first-rate travel experiences.
The agreement includes implementing and integrating over 50 airline industry solutions and core capabilities, including security, infrastructure, integration, and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach.
IBM will further manage the work of more than 40 partners by providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management, and training.
This agreement came as part of Riyad Air’s strategy to create a world-class airline with personalized and seamless guest experiences powered by AI and state-of-the-art digital technology.
Riyadh Air also aims to empower employees with data-driven insights and new methods of working to serve the guests in a better way.
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer at Riyadh Air, stated that the airline targets adopting cutting-edge digital technology and innovation as well as the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience for guests.
“IBM Consulting will be our principal partner driving us towards our vision with their deep expertise in managing large complex systems and integration programs as well as their expertise in the travel industry,” Boukadida added.
Meanwhile, John Granger, Senior Vice President of IBM Consulting, affirmed that the partnership with Riyadh Air will bring a new era of the Kingdom’s aviation industry to life.
Furthermore, IBM Consulting will build up and maintain Riyadh Air’s hybrid cloud integration platform using the IBM CloudPak for Integration and Red Hat OpenShift, and provide integration tools to connect applications and data within a unified and simple user experience.
It should be noted that Riyadh Air plans to operate its first flights in 2025.
