Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and tech giant IBM have announced a 10-year USD 700 million technology services agreement which will allow the airline to enhance its services and develop world-class infrastructure.
The transformational agreement, one of the most important strategic collaborations by Etihad Airways, will provide access to the latest cloud-based technologies and services for the airline, its group companies and equity partners.
Etihad Airways carried 14.8 million passengers in 2014, and serves 113 passenger and cargo destinations.
The agreement was signed last month that plans for the creation of a new cloud data centre in Abu Dhabi, company said in a statement released here.
The cloud centre, to be developed and operated by IBM, will be one of the most sophisticated technology facilities in the Middle East.
IBM will deliver a range of secure and efficient technology services, allowing Etihad and its partners to transform their IT infrastructure into global, flexible and agile cloud—based platforms to better serve their guests and employees, it said.
“This is a long-term, strategic partnership which will allow Etihad Airways and its partners to harness the latest technologies as we deliver our award-winning services. This is a game-changing agreement for the Airways,” James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said.
The agreement will also give Etihad Airways and its equity partners access to IBM’s Watson cognitive technology.
The council will focus on value creation for the airways and its guests, as well as bringing technological innovation and benefits to Abu Dhabi and its people.
“This landmark agreement, a fundamental part of our technology and innovation strategy, will bring us a global IT delivery platform that is secure, resilient and future—ready for Etihad Airways’ companies and equity partner airlines.
“We have chosen IBM as a global technology partner due to its commitment to its people, its experience in delivering such transformations, and its history of leadership and innovation in the airline industry,” Robert Webb, Etihad Airways’ Chief Information and Technology Officer, said.
The collaboration provides a global framework for technology service delivery for Etihad Airways and its Etihad Airways Partner airlines, including Alitalia, airberlin, Jet Airways, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Etihad Regional.