Virgin Atlantic deepens TCS partnership for AI transformation

Virgin Atlantic and Tata Consultancy Services have extended their partnership with a seven-year agreement to modernise the UK airline's core systems using artificial intelligence-led solutions.

The partnership, which spans over two decades, will see Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) deepen its collaboration with Virgin Atlantic to enhance technological foundations, enable modern airline retailing, improve operational resilience, and advance customer experience. The renewed agreement aims to strengthen Virgin Atlantic's digital transformation through a cloud-first, AI-powered digital core designed to boost agility, resilience, and scalability across operations.

TCS is set to implement a modern, AI-powered technology estate that unifies the airline's technology assets and deploys an advanced Technology Command Centre. This centre, co-developed with TCS, will act as the operational nerve centre for Virgin Atlantic, providing real-time operational insights intended to improve decision making, streamline operations, and deliver contextual data to front line staff.

The project is expected to elevate both customer and crew experiences by enabling efficient, data-driven, and more sustainable journeys. The partnership aims to deliver a hyper-personalised customer experience across every point of interaction throughout the travel process.

Oli Byers, Chief Financial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said, "We exist to make our customers smile, it's that simple. As we look ahead to this next phase of our digital transformation, technology will enable us to deliver smarter, simpler, and more memorable experiences. TCS has been a partner for more than two decades and together we'll continue to build towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company, powered by AI technology to modernize our systems, drive efficiency and deliver for our customers."

TCS will utilise its proprietary solutions such as TCS CognixTM and TCS AI WisdomNextTM to support the transformation effort. These tools are expected to facilitate experience-centric services and improve service delivery. According to TCS, its suite of technology will support Virgin Atlantic in developing a robust digital core and enable the airline to innovate, enhance efficiency, and meet customer expectations, while focusing on long-term profitability and sustainability.

These offerings will be managed by a dedicated onsite team of TCS associates familiar with Virgin Atlantic's operational context. TCS brings decades of aviation expertise and contextual industry knowledge to the partnership.

Amit Kapur, Country Head – UK & Ireland, Tata Consultancy Services, said, "At TCS, we believe being perpetually adaptive is a necessity in today's dynamic business landscape. Our two-decade partnership with Virgin Atlantic is a testament to a shared vision. By combining our deep aviation expertise with advanced capabilities in data, AI, and engineering, we're helping Virgin Atlantic build intelligent, scalable digital ecosystems and redefine the future of travel."

TCS has previously supported Virgin Atlantic in various transformation projects across crew, cargo, engineering, and enterprise platforms. In 2024, Virgin Atlantic carried over 5 million passengers worldwide and serves more than 30 destinations globally. The partnership intends to build on this history, establishing what both parties describe as a foundation for a future-ready airline.

The scope of TCS's involvement extends to the delivery of industry-specific solutions such as TCS AvianaTM, a cloud-ready platform designed for intelligent airline operations. TCS's experience in aviation is expected to assist Virgin Atlantic in identifying new growth opportunities and fostering innovation across its business.

Virgin Atlantic, which employs 8,500 people and operates flights to 28 destinations across four continents, is headquartered in London. The airline operates a joint transatlantic network in partnership with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Its sustainability initiatives include a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050, operating a young and fuel-efficient fleet, and involvement in projects such as the world's first transatlantic flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

TCS, which has served the UK market for five decades and works with over 200 UK businesses, is aiming to demonstrate its commitment to supporting digital transformation in the region through its extended partnership with Virgin Atlantic. The consultancy claims a significant role in the UK software and IT services sector, working with approximately half the companies listed on the FTSE100.