Riyadh Air and IBM to build AI-driven enterprise, to elevate guest and employee experiences
IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced a new agreement with Riyadh Air to integrate IBM's AI portfolio, watsonx, and IBM Consulting solutions to enhance guest and employee experiences. This collaboration aims to support Riyadh Air's mission to launch flights in 2025, positioning it as the world's first digital native airline. The announcement was made at The FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit.
Riyadh Air will leverage AI to create an intelligent digital foundation, streamlining operations and empowering employees. IBM will oversee the installation and deployment of watsonx, developing AI use cases using the IBM Garage methodology. The AI platform will focus on data security, privacy, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI adoption.
AI-powered Virtual Assistants will be deployed for customer and employee self-service, enhancing efficiency and service. This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to serve 330 million passengers annually by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global aviation hub.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) ha annunciato un nuovo accordo con Riyadh Air per integrare il portafoglio di intelligenza artificiale di IBM, watsonx, e le soluzioni di consulenza IBM per migliorare le esperienze di ospiti e dipendenti. Questa collaborazione mira a supportare la missione di Riyadh Air di lanciare voli nel 2025, posizionandola come la prima compagnia aerea digitale al mondo. L'annuncio è stato fatto al FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit.
Riyadh Air sfrutterà l'IA per creare una base digitale intelligente, semplificando le operazioni e potenziando i dipendenti. IBM supervisionerà l'installazione e il deployment di watsonx, sviluppando casi d'uso dell'IA utilizzando la metodologia IBM Garage. La piattaforma di intelligenza artificiale si concentrerà sulla sicurezza dei dati, sulla privacy, sulla conformità normativa e sull'adozione responsabile dell'IA.
Assistenti virtuali potenziati dall'IA saranno implementati per il self-service di clienti e dipendenti, migliorando l'efficienza e il servizio. Questa partnership è in linea con la Vision 2030 dell'Arabia Saudita, che mira a servire 330 milioni di passeggeri all'anno entro il 2030, posizionando il Regno come un hub globale dell'aviazione.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) ha anunciado un nuevo acuerdo con Riyadh Air para integrar el portafolio de inteligencia artificial de IBM, watsonx, y las soluciones de consultoría de IBM para mejorar las experiencias de los huéspedes y empleados. Esta colaboración tiene como objetivo apoyar la misión de Riyadh Air de lanzar vuelos en 2025, posicionándola como la primera aerolínea nativa digital del mundo. El anuncio se realizó en la Cumbre FII PRIORITY Miami 2025.
Riyadh Air aprovechará la IA para crear una base digital inteligente, optimizando las operaciones y empoderando a los empleados. IBM supervisará la instalación y el despliegue de watsonx, desarrollando casos de uso de IA utilizando la metodología IBM Garage. La plataforma de IA se centrará en la seguridad de los datos, la privacidad, el cumplimiento normativo y la adopción responsable de la IA.
Asistentes virtuales impulsados por IA se implementarán para el autoservicio de clientes y empleados, mejorando la eficiencia y el servicio. Esta asociación está alineada con la Visión 2030 de Arabia Saudita, que busca atender a 330 millones de pasajeros anualmente para 2030, posicionando al Reino como un centro global de aviación.
IBM (NYSE: IBM)은 Riyadh Air와 새로운 협약을 체결하고 IBM의 AI 포트폴리오인 watsonx와 IBM 컨설팅 솔루션을 통합하여 고객과 직원의 경험을 향상시키겠다고 발표했습니다. 이 협력은 Riyadh Air가 2025년에 항공편을 시작하려는 목표를 지원하며, 세계 최초의 디지털 네이티브 항공사로 자리매김할 것입니다. 이 발표는 FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 정상 회의에서 이루어졌습니다.
Riyadh Air는 AI를 활용하여 지능형 디지털 기반을 구축하고 운영을 간소화하며 직원을 지원할 것입니다. IBM은 watsonx의 설치 및 배포를 감독하고, IBM Garage 방법론을 사용하여 AI 사용 사례를 개발할 것입니다. AI 플랫폼은 데이터 보안, 개인 정보 보호, 규제 준수 및 책임 있는 AI 채택에 중점을 둘 것입니다.
AI 기반의 가상 비서가 고객 및 직원의 셀프 서비스에 배치되어 효율성과 서비스를 향상시킬 것입니다. 이 파트너십은 사우디 아라비아의 비전 2030과 일치하며, 2030년까지 연간 3억 3천만 명의 승객을 서비스하는 것을 목표로 하여 왕국을 글로벌 항공 허브로 자리매김할 것입니다.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) a annoncé un nouvel accord avec Riyadh Air pour intégrer le portefeuille d'IA d'IBM, watsonx, et les solutions de conseil d'IBM afin d'améliorer les expériences des clients et des employés. Cette collaboration vise à soutenir la mission de Riyadh Air de lancer des vols en 2025, la positionnant comme la première compagnie aérienne numérique au monde. L'annonce a été faite lors du Sommet FII PRIORITY Miami 2025.
Riyadh Air tirera parti de l'IA pour créer une base numérique intelligente, rationalisant les opérations et autonomisant les employés. IBM supervisera l'installation et le déploiement de watsonx, développant des cas d'utilisation de l'IA en utilisant la méthodologie IBM Garage. La plateforme d'IA se concentrera sur la sécurité des données, la confidentialité, la conformité réglementaire et l'adoption responsable de l'IA.
Des assistants virtuels alimentés par l'IA seront déployés pour le libre-service des clients et des employés, améliorant l'efficacité et le service. Ce partenariat s'aligne avec la Vision 2030 de l'Arabie Saoudite, visant à servir 330 millions de passagers par an d'ici 2030, positionnant le Royaume comme un hub mondial de l'aviation.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) hat eine neue Vereinbarung mit Riyadh Air angekündigt, um das KI-Portfolio von IBM, watsonx, und die Beratungslösungen von IBM zu integrieren, um die Erfahrungen von Gästen und Mitarbeitern zu verbessern. Diese Zusammenarbeit zielt darauf ab, die Mission von Riyadh Air zu unterstützen, im Jahr 2025 Flüge zu starten und sich als die weltweit erste digitale Airline zu positionieren. Die Ankündigung wurde beim FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Gipfel gemacht.
Riyadh Air wird KI nutzen, um eine intelligente digitale Grundlage zu schaffen, die Abläufe zu optimieren und die Mitarbeiter zu stärken. IBM wird die Installation und den Einsatz von watsonx überwachen und KI-Anwendungsfälle mit der IBM Garage-Methodik entwickeln. Die KI-Plattform wird sich auf Datensicherheit, Datenschutz, regulatorische Compliance und verantwortungsvolle KI-Nutzung konzentrieren.
KI-gestützte virtuelle Assistenten werden für den Selbstbedienungsservice von Kunden und Mitarbeitern eingesetzt, um die Effizienz und den Service zu verbessern. Diese Partnerschaft steht im Einklang mit Saudi-Arabiens Vision 2030, die darauf abzielt, bis 2030 jährlich 330 Millionen Passagiere zu bedienen und das Königreich als globales Luftfahrtzentrum zu positionieren.
- IBM's AI solutions to enhance Riyadh Air's guest and employee experiences
- Support for Riyadh Air's 2025 flight launch
- Positioning Riyadh Air as the world's first digital native airline
- AI platform to focus on data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance
- Alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to serve 330 million passengers annually
- Potential risks associated with AI adoption and data security
Insights
IBM's new agreement with Riyadh Air represents a significant enterprise AI win that reinforces the company's strategic pivot toward higher-margin software and consulting services. This partnership to build an AI-driven enterprise for Saudi Arabia's new national carrier comes at a pivotal time for IBM, whose recent quarters have shown accelerating demand for its AI offerings.
The deal's scope is comprehensive - IBM will serve as the lead systems integrator while deploying its watsonx AI portfolio across Riyadh Air's operations. This exemplifies IBM's "full-stack" approach to enterprise AI transformation, combining proprietary technology with consulting services to capture higher value from each client relationship.
From a revenue perspective, while financial terms weren't disclosed, enterprise-wide AI implementations of this magnitude typically represent multi-year engagements worth tens of millions in services revenue plus recurring software licensing fees. The timing aligns perfectly with IBM's efforts to monetize watsonx, which has been a focal point for investors since its launch.
The strategic importance extends beyond immediate revenue. This positions IBM prominently within Saudi Arabia's
For investors, three aspects deserve particular attention:
- This represents validation of IBM's AI capabilities against fierce competition from hyperscalers and consulting rivals
- The project's "digital native" approach suggests substantial recurring revenue potential as Riyadh Air scales
- IBM's selection for this flagship Vision 2030 project strengthens its position for additional government and enterprise deals in the region
The partnership's emphasis on responsible AI adoption and regulatory compliance also aligns with IBM's differentiated market position as a trusted enterprise AI provider - a important selling point as organizations navigate AI governance concerns.
- Agreement will see Riyadh Air leverage IBM watsonx and IBM Consulting solutions to drive Riyadh Air's vision as the world's first digital native airline
- The collaboration aims to help power the Saudi Arabian airline's mission to launch flights in 2025 while offering an elevated guest experience
The announcement took place at the third edition of The FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit, where senior executives from both IBM and Riyadh Air, including Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer, and Mohamad Ali, SVP and Head of IBM Consulting, reaffirmed their commitment to driving innovation in the aviation sector.
Building a world-class airline requires more than just aircraft and infrastructure; it demands an intelligent digital foundation that anticipates passenger needs, streamlines operations, and empowers employees. Riyadh Air is embracing this challenge by making AI the driving force behind its transformation.
"Riyadh Air is more than just an airline; it is a gateway to new opportunities for travelers from the Kingdom and beyond," said Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer. "As we move closer to our first flight later in 2025, our vision is to deliver a seamless, world-class travel experience by expanding our reach, pioneering innovations, and redefining industry standards. By deepening our collaboration with IBM, we are harnessing the power of AI, from intelligent customer interactions to optimized flight operations, to set a new benchmark for the future of aviation."
This agreement aims to strengthen Riyadh Air's position as a truly digital-native airline, building on IBM's AI-driven products and solutions together with IBM Consulting as its lead systems integrator. watsonx, IBM's portfolio of AI products, will serve as the foundation for Riyadh Air's AI platform, driving mission-critical functions and fostering open innovation with multi-model AI. The new platform will be built with a focus on data security, privacy, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI adoption. Riyadh Air will also leverage Agentic AI to deploy autonomous bots to enable seamless and personalized system interactions.
IBM will oversee the installation and deployment of watsonx, as well as develop AI use cases utilizing IBM Garage methodology to drive automation and digital transformation.
With IBM Consulting Advantage, an AI-powered delivery platform, Riyadh Air will deploy AI solutions to boost efficiency and service, including AI-powered Virtual Assistants for customer and employee self-service.
"By embedding watsonx at the core of its operations, Riyadh Air is taking an AI-first approach to redefine air travel and set new industry standards as the world's first digital-native airline," said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. "Together we are supercharging our teams with AI to enhance traveler experiences, optimize operations, and shape the future of aviation in
The airline's decision to partner with IBM Consulting and watsonx was driven by IBM's strong track record in AI transformation, backed by successful past engagements with Riyadh Air that established trust and credibility. IBM's immersive engagement model played a key role in the expanded relationship. Hands-on AI workshops showcased real-world benefits for guests and employees, and IBM offered AI technology and enterprise services into an integrated solution tailored to Riyadh Air's digital goals. Additionally, IBM Consulting Advantage allows Riyadh Air employees and IBM consultants to work side by side to deliver rapid innovation, scalable solutions, and accelerated value helping Riyadh Air shape next-generation travel experiences.
Riyadh Air's AI-driven strategy aligns with
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.
Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
IBM media contact:
Aymen Alfaraj
IBM Communciations
Aymen.Alfaraj@ibm.com
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