How TCS & Air France-KLM are Forging Data-Driven Aviation

The global aviation industry is undergoing an impressive digital transformation, with airlines increasingly turning to advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience and drive sustainable growth.

As the sector recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of cloud computing, AI and data analytics has become crucial for airlines to remain competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics.

In this context, the partnership between Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, and Air France-KLM, one of Europe's largest airline groups, is reflecting the strive towards a data-driven future for the aviation industry.

The collaboration aims to modernise Air France-KLM's data architecture, migrating critical systems and core business data to a cloud-native, AI-ready environment.

To find out more, Krishnan Ramanujam, President of Consumer Business Group at TCS, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli, Head of Europe at TCS and Pierre-Olivier Bandet, EVP & Group CIO, Air France-KLM Group, explain about the transformative potential of this partnership for the aviation sector.

Modernising aviation through cloud migration

The multi-year deal between TCS and Air France-KLM focuses on moving the airline group's IT systems away from traditional data centres to the cloud. 

This shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency across all business lines, ensuring seamless and secure data management.

Over the next three years, TCS will modernise the airline group's data by moving it to the cloud, promoting the next generation of data-driven aviation.

This transition will enable Air France-KLM to exit data centres and harness the strength of cloud computing, supporting a sustainable and adaptive aviation industry.

Krishnan emphasises the significance of this transformation: "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".

The cloud migration will encompass a vast data landscape, covering flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance, e-commerce platforms, and more.

This comprehensive approach aims to set a new benchmark for digital transformation in the aviation industry.

Leveraging data for enhanced customer experience

One of the key objectives of this partnership is to improve the passenger experience through data-driven insights.

TCS's 30-year collaboration with Air France-KLM has already yielded innovative solutions, including award-winning mobile apps and enhanced customer service solutions.

The new data architecture will enable the use of data to enhance operations, drive decisions, improve functionality, and gain efficiency. 

This will allow Air France-KLM to offer more personalised services and streamline operations, ultimately leading to a better flying experience for customers.

Pierre highlights the importance of this initiative: "In a rapidly evolving industry, we are committed to becoming a champion of air transport in Europe, while fulfilling our role as a frontrunner of sustainable aviation.

“We are pleased to open a new and exciting chapter with our long-time partner, TCS, 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."

Setting new industry standards

The project's ambitious timeline aims to achieve data accessibility on the new cloud within the first year.

This rapid transformation will be facilitated by a dedicated team of over 100 professionals across TCS delivery centres in France, the Netherlands, and India, working in close collaboration with Air France-KLM's data teams in Toulouse.

As a result, this project positions TCS to redefine industry standards in the travel, transport and hospitality sectors.

The scale of the project is considerable, given that Air France-KLM operates multiple airline brands with a fleet of 551 aircraft flying across 320 destinations in 100 countries.

Sapthagiri underscores the significance of this long-standing partnership: “The partnership with Air France-KLM is one of TCS’ longest relationships in Europe.

“While using technology to set the standards for customer experience in airline travel year after year, we managed to strengthen and deepen our partnership at the same time.”
He concludes: “This new deal is a compliment to both Air France-KLM and TCS teams for their mutual trust, commitment, and perseverance to build long lasting and successful partnerships that drive sustainable growth.”

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