BrazilAir France-KLM launches group-wide data transformation with TCS as partner
Air France-KLM has launched a major IT transformation aimed at moving its full data infrastructure to the cloud, with Tata Consultancy Services serving as its key technology partner.
The overarching goal of the program is to help Air France-KLM become the “most data-centric airline group in the world”. A bold ambition for the world’s 12th largest airline (by passengers carried), and to achieve that, a major migration is being prepared to move data from its own data centers to the cloud.
The program spans all of Air France-KLM’s data architecture, which is stored across several subsidies, including Air France, KLM, low-cost carrier Transavia, and Martinair Cargo. The group a fleet of more than 550 aircraft.
Commenting on the program, Air France-KLM’s CIO Pierre-Olivier Bandet said: “In a rapidly evolving industry, we are committed to becoming a champion of air transport in Europe. We are please to make the most out of our data and new technologies to become even more data-centric and agile to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Transitioning to data-driven ways of working, including advanced methods such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has become a strategic area of focus for airlines in recent years, given the huge value that can be unlocked. Data can help airlines improve their efficiency, streamline their operations and drive innovation, among others.
Data also serves as the fundament of providing a more personalized and smooth customer experience, and moreover, data can help the company’s managers take smarter decision at all levels of the organisation.
Over the next three years, the program will move the group’s data from several areas to the cloud, including flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance, e-commerce platforms, and more. The program will also guide the development of a new data infrastructure, and roll out tools such as advanced analytics and data lakes to help employees turn data into insights.
Flying in TCS
The project will be supported by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has assembled a 100-strong team from its offices in France and the Netherlands (where Air France and KLM are headquartered respectively), as well as its delivery centers in India.
“We are eager to help Air France-KLM become the most data-driven airline group in the world and continue to reach new heights in air transport and customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainability for decades to come,” said Krishnan Ramanujam, a leader at Tata Consultancy Services.
Earlier in their now 30-year relationship, Tata Consultancy Services helped Air France-KLM with the delivery of dozens of technology projects, including features like digital queuing in airport lounges, boarding pass collection via social media, and the airline’s mobile app.
