Riyadh Air has partnered with IBM Consulting to revolutionize the air travel experience. The airline has signed a collaboration agreement with IBM to establish the technology foundation of a digitally-led airline. IBM Consulting will act as the lead systems integrator, supporting Riyadh Air in creating, building, and orchestrating the necessary technology to offer exceptional and seamless travel experiences.
As part of this collaboration, Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have already developed the airline’s digital and technology strategy. Now, Riyadh Air has selected IBM Consulting to help build the key business and technology capabilities required to implement the strategy. This includes integrating over 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities such as security, infrastructure, integration, and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach. IBM will also oversee the work of over 40 partners, providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change management, communications management, and training.
The goal of this collaboration is to position Riyadh Air strategically within the broader ecosystem, allowing the airline to offer digital innovations and exceptional experiences for travelers and guests. Riyadh Air aims to become a world-class airline that provides personalized and seamless guest experiences powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art digital technology. The airline also intends to empower its employees with data-driven insights and new ways of working to better serve their guests.
Adam Boukadida, the Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, expressed the airline’s ambition to launch its first flight by 2025 and establish a leading position in the aviation industry through the adoption of digital technology and innovation. IBM Consulting was chosen as the principal partner due to its expertise in managing large complex systems and integration programs, as well as its knowledge of the travel industry.
John Granger, Senior Vice President of IBM Consulting, expressed pride in partnering with Riyadh Air and helping to usher in a new era for Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry. He emphasized that a technology foundation built with an open, hybrid cloud approach and AI capabilities will enable Riyadh Air to deliver exceptional travel experiences for its guests.
In addition to supporting Riyadh Air in building its technology capabilities, IBM Consulting will also establish and maintain the airline’s hybrid cloud integration platform. Leveraging IBM CloudPak for Integration and Red Hat OpenShift, this platform will provide integration tools to connect applications and data in a unified and user-friendly manner.
Riyadh Air’s digital and technology strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a global aviation and trade hub. By leveraging IBM Consulting’s expertise, Riyadh Air intends to lead the aviation industry and provide an exceptional guest experience while prioritizing sustainability and safety.
IBM Consulting is known for helping clients accelerate business transformation through hybrid cloud and AI technologies. With a focus on collaboration and co-creation, IBM Consulting works with clients to modernize and secure complex systems, applying their deep industry and business expertise.
Riyadh Air is a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The airline, launched in March 2023, aims to be a digitally-led, full-service carrier that incorporates global sustainability and safety practices. Riyadh Air plans to connect passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, offering an exceptional guest experience rooted in Saudi hospitality.
For more information about Riyadh Air, please visit their website at www.riyadhair.com. Any media inquiries can be directed to media@riyadhair.com.
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI solutions, as well as consulting expertise. They support clients in over 175 countries, helping them capitalize on data insights, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift are trusted by over 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, airline, and healthcare. IBM’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting services offer clients open and flexible options for their digital transformations.
For more information about IBM, please visit their website.
