BrazilTata teams with Singapore Airlines on intelligent airline operations platform
Singapore Airlines has launched a new airline operations solution developed in conjunction with Tata Consultancy Services.
Billed as a first-of-its-kind, Singapore Airlines and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – the global IT and business consulting arm of Indian conglomerate the Tata Group – have launched a new operations management solution designed to digitally transform ground services and operations control in the airline industry. The Intelligent Airline Operations (IAO) Solution has already been deployed across Singapore’s global network.
According to a statement, the new IAO solution was co-developed by experts from both organisations using an Agile approach – “adding and releasing new business capabilities and functionality on a continuous basis” – and utilises Tata Consultancy Services’ New Core, “a cloud-ready, high speed messaging and data processing platform with machine learning capabilities and an advanced events engine.”
As such, the platform has the capacity to amalgamate data from different functional areas and systems in near real time, such as flight, airport and crew operations, customer services, baggage and loyalty programmes – the latter of which for Singapore Airlines has also undergone a recent digital upgrade with the launch of a blockchain-enabled frequent-flyer programme developed in conjunction with Microsoft and KPMG.
The world-leading airline’s latest innovation will provide operations controllers and airport management staff with real time, ‘on the go’ views of their passengers and operations, enabling smarter and more prompt decision-making and greater customer service. During disruptions for example, such as through delays or cancellations, the IAO solution will help airlines to get ahead the usually compounding effects for a speedier return to schedule.
“By combining near real-time operational data from various systems with mobility solutions and a user-centric, modern design, the solution will enable our operational staff to make more informed decisions, drive operational efficiencies and deliver a world class service experience to our customers,” said Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President of Information Technology, George Wang. “We are very pleased to collaborate with our long-standing partner Tata Consultancy Services to co-create a solution for the airline industry.”
“The airline industry has been a key focus area for TCS,” the consultancy’s Vice President and Global Head of its travel, transportation and hospitality business Siva Ganesan said in turn, noting the firm’s continued investments in building intellectual property and sector-specific research and innovation. “This latest co-creation initiative with Singapore Airlines provides a unique solution to forward thinking airlines looking to transform their ground operations and provide a superior customer experience.”
With 2018 revenues pushing above $19 billion, up 8.6 percent on the previous year, TCS is one of the largest IT consulting and services firms in the world – operating with a global workforce of nearly 400,000 employees from some 400-plus offices and delivery centres spread across 46 countries, including East and Southeast Asian locations in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan and China.
According to TCS, the consulting firm has partnered on transformation projects with more than 30 of the world’s leading airlines, with previous work including an overhaul of Malaysia Airlines' IT architecture, and a long-running relationship with Virgin Atlantic – extended in March for another five years. The firm has also recently worked with Dutch airline KLM on creating a unique, integrated social media hub.
