Riyadh Air and IBM Take Further Steps Forward in their Collaboration to Redefine Travel Experiences

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM collaborates with Riyadh Air to revolutionize travel experiences, leveraging IBM Consulting's expertise in AI, technology, and operations. The partnership aims to create seamless, personalized, and sustainable passenger journeys through innovative solutions and user-friendly design. Riyadh Air plans to introduce next-generation interactions and immersive in-flight entertainment to enhance the travel experience for passengers.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The collaboration between IBM and Riyadh Air signifies strategic investments in digital transformation within the airline industry, which is critical for enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. The integration of AI and experience orchestration platforms indicates a trend towards hyper-personalized and seamless travel experiences. This move aligns with the broader industry push for innovation and could set a new standard for digital engagement in the airline sector.

From a market perspective, IBM's involvement with a major airline project could positively influence its market position and showcase its capabilities in large-scale digital transformations. For Riyadh Air, leveraging IBM's advanced technologies could provide a competitive edge in the Middle Eastern aviation market, especially considering Saudi Arabia's ambitious aviation and tourism targets for 2030.

Technology Analyst

The use of generative AI, IBM Consulting Assistants and Adobe Experience Cloud by Riyadh Air underscores the growing importance of advanced technology in creating differentiated customer experiences. The emphasis on mobile, web and in-flight applications could lead to a new era of in-flight entertainment and customer interaction, potentially raising the bar for what is expected from airline services.

Moreover, the development of a suite of apps for airline operations could significantly improve efficiency and employee performance, ultimately benefiting the airline's bottom line. Such technological advancements are likely to influence future investments and innovation within the airline industry, prompting other airlines to follow suit.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of this collaboration for both IBM and Riyadh Air could be substantial. For IBM, the partnership represents a significant contract with long-term revenue potential from consulting services and technology deployment. It also serves as a case study for IBM's capabilities in transforming industries through digital innovation, potentially attracting more clients.

For Riyadh Air, the investment in cutting-edge technology is a strategic move to position itself as a leading digital-native airline. If successful, it could result in increased market share and higher customer retention rates, contributing to the airline's profitability. However, the initial capital expenditure and ongoing costs associated with implementing and maintaining these technologies must be weighed against the anticipated benefits.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today the next steps in their collaboration with Riyadh Air, the digital-native airline currently scheduled to commence operations in early 2025, to revolutionize the airline's travel experiences. The airline plans to introduce next-generation, channel-fluid guest and traveler interactions, tapping into IBM Consulting's open ecosystem of business partners and deep industry expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology and operations.

Today, IBM hosted a signing ceremony, announcing the collaboration at the 3^rd edition of LEAP 2024, the international technology conference held annually in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; in the presence of Tony Douglas (Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air) and Arvind Krishna (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IBM) and executive management from both entities.

"We're on a mission to shape the future of air travel at Riyadh Air," said Tony Douglas, CEO at Riyadh Air. "By teaming up with IBM, we're pushing the boundaries of innovation to create a transformed passenger experience that is more seamless, personalized and sustainable. From AI-powered check-in systems to immersive in-flight entertainment, we're leveraging the latest technologies to make air travel more enjoyable and accessible for everyone."

Committed to delivering unique, intelligent and hyper-personalized guest journeys, Riyadh Air will harness IBM Consulting's expertise across generative AI, experience orchestration, marketing and customer engagement platforms, mobile, web and in-flight applications. All of these capabilities will be accelerated through the proven, collaborative engagement model of IBM Garage, to help craft guest experiences that are culturally enriching across the travel journey, on ground or in the air.

"We're excited to extend our collaboration with Riyadh Air, working together to revolutionize the way people experience travel," said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO at IBM. "We will combine user-friendly design, cutting-edge technology, and a shared commitment to innovation in order to create a seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable travel experience for passengers."

IBM consultants will utilize IBM Consulting Advantage and its capabilities including IBM Consulting Assistants, which are powered by IBM watsonx, and IBM iX Experience Orchestrator to help Riyadh Air to build and enhance their digital guest experience across mobile, web, and in-flight entertainment. IBM Consulting will also help streamline end-to-end customer experiences across digital channels, using a comprehensive technology portfolio. This work will be based on Adobe Experience Cloud and Adobe Experience Platform, spanning Adobe's marketing and customer data solutions, digital experience orchestration, digital media activation and campaigns across web, mobile and social. Further, IBM Consulting aims to build for Riyadh Air a curated suite of apps for managing airline operations, empowering their employees to serve guests with ease and speed.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious aviation and tourism plan aims to serve 330 million air passengers by 2030, increasing air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, and expanding air connectivity to more than 250 destinations. Riyadh Air, launched in March 2023, is planning for its inaugural flight in early 2025 and aiming to connect passengers to over 100 global destinations by 2030.

This announcement builds upon Riyadh Air's ongoing collaboration with IBM Consulting, establishing the technology foundation for the digitally-led airline. The airline had previously unveiled its collaboration with IBM Consulting in November 2023 to develop mission-critical technology and business capabilities, supporting the journey to its first flight.

About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air is a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally-led, full service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircrafts with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. For more information please visit our website: www.riyadhair.com - and for any media inquiries please contact us at: media@riyadhair.com

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

IBM media contact:
Aymen Alfaraj
IBM Communciations
Aymen.Alfaraj@ibm.com

 

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

What is the collaboration between IBM and Riyadh Air about?

The collaboration between IBM and Riyadh Air aims to revolutionize travel experiences by leveraging IBM Consulting's expertise in AI, technology, and operations.

What technologies will Riyadh Air utilize through the collaboration?

Riyadh Air will harness IBM Consulting's expertise across generative AI, experience orchestration, marketing, customer engagement platforms, mobile, web, and in-flight applications.

What is the goal of the partnership between IBM and Riyadh Air?

The goal of the partnership is to create seamless, personalized, and sustainable passenger journeys through innovative solutions and user-friendly design.

When is Riyadh Air scheduled to commence operations?

Riyadh Air is currently scheduled to commence operations in early 2025.

What is the vision of Riyadh Air for the future of air travel?

Riyadh Air aims to shape the future of air travel by creating a transformed passenger experience that is more seamless, personalized, and sustainable.