AirAsia collaborates with Google Cloud
LONDON: AirAsia is collaborating with Google Cloud to integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence into its business and culture as part of its transformation into a travel technology company.
AirAsia Group chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the group has been at the forefront of adopting new digital technologies since its inception in 2001.
“We are now in our next phase of development where we are expanding beyond air transport and digitalising our operations and processes to become more efficient.
“Google Cloud enables us to make full use of the data we own, opening up new opportunities and enabling us to build new businesses,” he said at the two-day Google Next ’18 conference and industry event, here, yesterday.
Fernandes said the group will build two big platforms, the first being airasia.com, which will be a one-stop digital travel platform where customers can book flights, accommodation, tours, ground transport and entertainment.
He said the second platform will be the “BigLife lifestyle’’ site, which will be like combining Kayak, Tripadvisor, Groupon and eBay into a single platform.
“BigLife will incorporate all the digital investments under our digital arm RedBeat Ventures, such as our money app BigPay, our inflight connectivity platform ROKKI, our online marketplace Ourshop and our logistics services RedBox and RedCargo.
“Both platforms will help drive more business into AirAsia, with the help of data,” added Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Google Cloud CEO Diane Greene said AirAsia has started using its G Suite program tools and products.
“Now, with our advanced analytics platform and machine learning services, AirAsia will be able to digitise every aspect of its business to better serve customers,” she said.
AirAsia said in a statement yesterday the group will work with Google Cloud to solve high-impact business challenges, including driving better demand forecasting, more targeted marketing and improved customer experience.