TCS aids Air France-KLM in cloud data transformation deal

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a multi-year agreement to assist Air France-KLM in becoming a more data-centric airline group across its passenger transport, cargo transport, and aeronautical maintenance sectors.

Over the next three years, TCS will facilitate the transfer of Air France-KLM's data to the cloud, supporting the airline group's transition to an advanced, AI-ready, cloud-native data landscape. This migration will encompass crucial areas such as flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance, and e-commerce platforms.

Pierre-Olivier Bandet, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer at Air France-KLM, said: "In a rapidly evolving industry, we are committed to becoming a champion of air transport in Europe, while fulfilling our role as a frontrunner of sustainable aviation. We are pleased to open a new and exciting chapter with our long-time partner, TCS, to make the most out of our data and new technologies to become even more data-centric and agile to meet and exceed our customers' expectations."

The partnership, which builds on a 30-year collaborative relationship, aims to promote a sustainable and adaptive aviation industry by moving Air France-KLM's data into the cloud and exiting data centres. It is expected to enhance operational efficiency and modernise the technology landscape, allowing new possibilities for data-driven decision-making and improved functionality.

Krishnan Ramanujam, President of the Consumer Business Group at TCS, stated: "We could not be more proud of our 30-year shared history of innovative accomplishments and the positive impact we've made on the experiences of Air France-KLM passengers, employees, and partners. We are eager to help Air France-KLM become the most data-driven airline group in the world and continue to reach new heights in air transport and customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainability for decades to come."

The integration of cloud technology is anticipated to allow for faster and more personalised customer experiences, as data will become more accessible and actionable across Air France-KLM's extensive network. The company operates multiple airline brands with a fleet of 551 aircraft flying to 320 destinations in 100 countries.

As part of the project, TCS will deploy a team of more than 100 professionals from delivery centres in France, the Netherlands, and India, with a close collaboration with Air France-KLM data teams based in Toulouse. The project aims for data accessibility to be fully achieved within the first year.

Sapthagiri Chapalapalli, Head of Europe at TCS, remarked: "The partnership with Air France-KLM is one of TCS' longest relationships in Europe. With KLM being our first customer in the Netherlands, the relationship between TCS and Air France-KLM is built on countless joint journeys, spanning multiple decades, opportunities, and challenges."

"While using technology to set the standards for customer experience in airline travel year after year, we managed to strengthen and deepen our partnership at the same time. This new deal is a compliment to both Air France-KLM and TCS teams for their mutual trust, commitment, and perseverance to build long lasting and successful partnerships that drive sustainable growth," Chapalapalli concludes.