Air New Zealand and TCS Forge 5-Year Partnership for AI-Driven Digital Transformation

TCS signs 5-year deal with Air New Zealand

IT services company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will enhance Air New Zealand's digital services, covering over 600 applications. By integrating AI automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions, it will improve key areas such as cargo services, disruption management, retail, maintenance systems, and crew operations. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services company, has signed an agreement with Air New Zealand for a five-year partnership to modernize the airline's digital infrastructure. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. "As per the five-year partnership, TCS will streamline operations, lead workforce transformation, and accelerate AI adoption, ensuring seamless, technology-driven experiences for over 15 million passengers annually," TCS said in a statement. The Mumbai-headquartered company will streamline Air New Zealand's digital services across a diverse landscape of more than 600 applications by integrating AI-driven automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions. This will drive innovation across cargo services, disruption management, retail offerings, maintenance systems and crew operations, the statement added. The focus will be on improving customer experience and driving operational efficiencies across various aspects of the business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services. Each year, Air New Zealand flies more than 15 million passengers on over 3,400 weekly flights. The airline operates a global network offering air passenger and cargo services across 49 domestic and international destinations. The formal agreement was signed at TCS' Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and top TCS executives, including chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and CEO K Krithivasan. Commenting on the partnership, Krithivasan said, "TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. By leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies, we aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline." The Tata subsidiary has had a presence in New Zealand for over 37 years, with an office in Auckland and a team of 460 professionals. "We began working with TCS in September 2024 and in just a few short months, we've seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions," said Greg Foran, chief executive officer of Air New Zealand. "Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improvements to our Digital Retail capability."

TCS Partners with Air New Zealand to Drive AI-Led Transformation, Enhance Passenger Experience

As per the five-year partnership, TCS will streamline operations, lead workforce transformation, and accelerate AI-adoption, ensuring seamless, technology-driven experiences for over 15 million passengers annually Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has signed a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand to modernize the airline's digital infrastructure and position it at the forefront of AI-driven innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance Air New Zealand's digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services. Announced at a formal signing event at TCS' Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai, the agreement supports Air New Zealand's vision to become the world's most digitally advanced airline. The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Tata Group Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran, and TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan. This partnership strengthens TCS' commitment to New Zealand, where it has been a trusted partner for digital transformation for over 37 years, driving innovation across industries. With an office in Auckland and a team of 460 professionals, TCS serves 20+ blue-chip customers in the region across banking, retail, construction, manufacturing, and local government. Through the TCS Co-Innovation NetworkTM (COIN™), the organization works closely with top universities in New Zealand to advance research in cybersecurity, sustainability, and AI. TCS also led the development of the Asia Pacific Digital Sustainability Index in 2022, shaping the region's approach to sustainable digital transformation. Beyond business, TCS is committed to fostering digital talent in New Zealand. Its flagship STEM empowerment programs, goITTM and goITTM Girls in the region are inspiring students to pursue careers in technology and innovation. Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer, Air New Zealand, said, "Leveraging TCS' expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. We began working with TCS in September 2024 and in just a few short months, we've seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improvements to our Digital Retail capability. We're excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for our customers and the aviation industry." Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS, said,"We are excited to partner with Air New Zealand in its journey to become a digitally advanced airline. With our expertise in aviation, combined with our ability to drive large-scale innovation, TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. By leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies, we aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping global enterprises adapt, grow, and unlock new opportunities through technology." Air New Zealand operates a global network offering air passenger and cargo services across 49 domestic and international destinations. Each year, the airline flies more than 15 million passengers on over 3,400 weekly flights. This transformation marks a significant step in Air New Zealand's commitment to secure, innovative, and technology-driven experiences for travelers worldwide. TCS will streamline Air New Zealand's digital services across a diverse landscape of more than 600 applications, by integrating AI-driven automation and cloud technologies into critical airline functions. This will drive innovation across cargo service, disruption management, retail offerings, maintenance systems and crew operations. Workforce transformation will also be a key focus of this engagement, with TCS leading large-scale upskilling programs to strengthen digital capabilities across Air New Zealand's teams in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. The collaboration also includes enhancements to Air New Zealand's digital retail and loyalty program experiences. With three decades of leadership in aviation, TCS partners with the world's leading airlines, offering consulting-led approaches, cognitive-powered portfolio of business, and technology and engineering services. TCS leverages industry-specific solutions, like TCS Aviana™, a unified, autonomous, digital, cloud-ready platform for intelligent airline operations. Its contextual understanding of airline operations, coupled with its AI-led technology capabilities, will help Air New Zealand unlock new growth opportunities and drive innovation across its entire business ecosystem.

Air New Zealand And Tata Consultancy Services Forge Tech-driven Partnership To Deliver Digital Transformation

Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, have signed a five-year partnership deal in Mumbai today, agreeing to explore opportunities for digital transformation, innovation, and operational efficiency within the airline industry. The agreement, signed yesterday at an event at TCS' Banyan Park Campus in Mumbai, sets a framework for collaboration between Air New Zealand and TCS, focusing on key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation. The partnership aims to enhance Air New Zealand's digital capabilities, improve customer experience, and drive operational efficiencies across various aspects of its business, including fleet management, crew scheduling, and ground services. A key focus will be workforce transformation, with TCS leading large-scale upskilling programmes to strengthen digital capabilities across Air New Zealand's teams in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Tata Group Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran, and TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K. Krithivasan. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran says the airline is excited to partner with TCS to collaborate with the airline on its journey toward transforming digital experiences for its customers. "Leveraging TCS' expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection. This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. "We began working with TCS in September 2024 and in just a few short months, we've seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our Cargo Digital Transformation and improvements to our Digital Retail capability. We're excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for our customers and the aviation industry." TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, K. Krithivasan, said: "We are excited to partner with Air New Zealand in its journey to become a digitally advanced airline. With our expertise in aviation, combined with our ability to drive large-scale innovation, TCS will enable Air New Zealand to set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. "By leveraging AI, automation, and cloud technologies, we aim to reimagine operations, enhance passenger experiences, and build a more agile and resilient airline. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping global enterprises adapt, grow, and unlock new opportunities through technology. " The agreement also outlines joint initiatives in workforce training and development, as well as enhancements to Air New Zealand's digital retail and loyalty programme experiences. Both organisations will work together to explore innovative solutions that drive long-term value for customers and stakeholders. It signifies a shared commitment to fostering technological advancements and operational excellence in the aviation sector. The agreement will remain in effect for five years, with both parties engaging in regular discussions to evaluate progress and identify further areas of cooperation. About Air New Zealand Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 8.7 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2023, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2024 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety and won Best Corporate Reputation in New Zealand in 2023 - the 9th year in a row. Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Frameworkhelps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn AirpointsDollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience. About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation that has been partnering with many of the world's largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 56 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognised as a benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 612,700 of the world's best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and the NSE in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. About Star Alliance Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.