Air France-KLM embraces Cloud and AI to harness the value of its data.

The group has signed a strategic agreement with Google Cloud and TCS to leverage the potential of its customer relationship data, from e-commerce platforms to flight operations and aircraft maintenance.

Air France-KLM had already chosen Google Cloud to migrate its applications to the Cloud.

Airlines generate huge amounts of data, most of which can be extremely valuable to contribute both to operational efficiency and to the customer experience.

With three major airlines, 551 aircraft in operation and 93 million passengers carried by 2023, Air France-KLM generates a considerable volume of data. The group has signed a strategic agreement with Google Cloud and Tata Consulting Services to harness the power of its data.

The aim is to improve the travel experience and customer satisfaction with more personalized offers, to optimize ground and air operations, to foster innovation within the group and with employees, and to deploy the first use cases for documentation access and aircraft maintenance.

No less than 80 generative AI projects are currently underway within the group, from simple frameworks to POCs.

A common datalake for the group entities

Building a common, joint and unique data lake for the three companies (Air France-KLM and Transavia), the group will leverage Google Cloud's AI expertise and tools, in particular Big Query, to accelerate its AI strategy with a dedicated, secure cloud instance.

This generative AI instance will benefit from multimodal capabilities, flexible multicloud approach and ultra-low latency.

Data valorization vs. data control?

Relying on Google Cloud's commitment to security and confidentiality, Air France-KLM will retain full ownership and control of its data.

TCS -Tata Consultancy Services- a subsidiary of the Indian group Tata, will be in charge of the migration of the group's business data and critical systems to the cloud, covering flight operations, passenger information, aircraft maintenance and online booking platforms, under a 3-year, multi-year contract.

Source TCS

These days, Cloud, data driven projects and AI have become indissociable in strategic approaches to digital transformation.

Many major French and European groups have opted for US Cloud providers that can rapidly support them in their strategic projects, and for their critical business needs.

The Air France-KLM group, however, has set up an AI committee to ensure that all its AI projects comply with the IA Act regulations and ethical standards.