Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services forge tech-driven partnership to deliver digital transformation

The agreement, signed 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 Framework helps 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 Airpoints Dollars™ 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 Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the 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, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.

For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com