Emirates Turns to IBM for Data Services
Joe Cortez June 08, 2016
$300 million deal tasks IBM with operating information technology services.
Middle East carrier Emirates will entrust their information technology systems to IBM, signing a deal with the American company to provide a future path for digital integration. The Wall Street Journal reports the 10-year deal is valued at $300 million.
Under the new plan, IBM would work with the carrier on a system which process passengers quicker and more efficiently. In addition, the project would also allow the airline to encrypt data faster, which could then be accessible to third-party developers on demand. When the systems are implemented, the airline hopes it will improve processes on the business side, as well as inside the airport.
For IBM, the agreement is an extension of their current relationship with the carrier, after providing ticketing and reservations systems since the airline’s formation in 1985. Moreover, Emirates is the fourth major airline in two years to sign on with their company for IT support. Since 2014, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, Finnish flag carrier Finnair and Germany’s Deutsche Lufthansa AG have all begun working with IBM for data services.
The move comes as airlines are struggling to keep their information technology systems online and operational, as well as prevent unauthorized access to computer data. In 2015, at least three American airlines – JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines – all experienced major ground stops after glitches brought down their computer networks. In March 2016, Japanese carrier ANA experienced a similar problem, after their company’s computer systems experienced a glitch and forced the cancellation of 120 domestic flights.
In a statement to Wall Street Journal, a spokesperson for Emirates confirmed the deal, but did not go into details. It is unclear when the new systems will be implemented or fully operational.
[Photo via Emirates/Twitter, Image by @mpkelleydotcom]
