Emirates has entered a strategic collaboration with OpenAI that aims to embed advanced artificial intelligence across the airline’s operations, marking one of the most significant digital transformation moves in the regional aviation sector.
The partnership includes the enterprise-wide deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise, supported by customised AI literacy programmes, technical exploration, and executive alignment to strengthen the airline’s long-term innovation strategy. Emirates says the move will help streamline complex commercial challenges, boost operational efficiency, and elevate customer experience.
Ali Serdar Yakut, Executive Vice President IT at Emirates, said the airline sees major opportunities in applying AI to its business needs and believes the collaboration will make its technology investments more strategic and scalable. He added that the partnership will support Emirates in enhancing value for employees and customers while sharpening its competitive edge.
Rod Solaimani, Regional Director for MENA and Central Asia at OpenAI, said Emirates has set a bold vision for how AI can shape the future of aviation. He noted that the collaboration aims to integrate intelligence across the airline’s operations and empower teams with new tools that reimagine the travel experience.
Both organisations will explore practical AI use cases, develop a network of internal AI champions, and establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence. The collaboration also gives Emirates early access to emerging AI research, government-led innovation projects, and accelerator programmes.
Leadership sessions will be held to build advocacy for AI initiatives and offer visibility into OpenAI’s product roadmap, supporting long-term planning. Joint technical teams will work on model integration, rapid prototyping, and deployment best practices, along with sandbox environments to accelerate experimentation with generative AI across the organisation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
