Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is investing in digital infrastructure, with plans to have an innovation hub to create a new digital platform.
Peter Baumgartner, the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s chief executive officer, said that the Etihad Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi will house a digital innovation hub aimed at boosting services on board its flights.
“The digital innovation hub will be the infrastructure and the way we work on the digital future of the guest experience because I’m very clear in my mind that the next innovation, the next big break, isn’t necessarily a great first class or economy seat.
“It will be on how you’re able to personalise, customise, tailor our services offering to the individual requirement of the guests, and that has a lot to do with digital technology,” Baumgartner told reporters.
A spokesperson for Etihad explained that the new digital services will allow the airline to have more information on every passenger, so that on-board services can be personalised based on every passenger’s needs.
Etihad did not disclose when the platform will be launched on board its flights, but said the digital hub will be created in the next few weeks.
The announcement came at an event on Thursday where Etihad received the Skytrax Certified five-star airline rating. The award makes Etihad Airways the ninth airline globally to receive a five-star rating. Other airlines with the same rating including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Asiana Airlines, among others.
