Etihad & Microsoft Unite in AI Plan

New academy to train all Etihad staff in optimal AI techniques

Etihad Airways has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to launch the first in-house AI Academy.

The new academy is aimed at up-skilling the airline's workforce, optimising operations and creating alternate revenue streams.

All Etihad employees will be given access to an online training programme, and instructor led classes, to drive companywide AI literacy, empowering every employee to deliver more value to the company and its customers.

Etihad and Microsoft celebrate the new arrangement

CEO of Etihad Aviation Group Tony Douglas said: “There is a simple reason that we are long-term partners with Microsoft – we think alike.

“Our people make us who we are. By up-skilling them to use technology powered by AI, we are future-proofing our organisation.

“We believe that human interaction augmented by technology delivers an enhanced experience for our guests which will give us a competitive edge”

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Microsoft specialists will also conduct a series of AI business workshops and hands-on technical lab sessions to help identify business challenges that can be optimised with AI.

Etihad is currently embarking on a digital transformation journey in order to enhance the capacity and quality of its services to the almost 20 million passengers it carries each year.

Etihad has also adopted Office 365 as part of its strategy to become a more efficient organisation.