Emirates and OpenAI have entered into a strategic partnership to advance AI adoption and innovation across the airline. The deal was announced on the final day of the Dubai Airshow.
The collaboration will entail the deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise, supported by tailored AI literacy programmes, technical exploration, and executive strategic alignment designed to embed AI capabilities across the airline.
Under the partnership, Emirates and OpenAI will explore opportunities to introduce practical use cases, develop an internal AI champion network, and establish an AI Centre of Excellence.
The collaboration will identify key areas for enhancing and expanding AI capabilities across the organisation, covering critical skills, processes and technology.
“Emirates stands to gain early access to cutting-edge AI research and emerging breakthroughs, as well as collaboration on government-led innovation projects and accelerators,” the company said.
“Additionally, Emirates and OpenAI will jointly run dedicated leadership sessions to explore practical applications, build sponsorship and advocacy for AI initiatives, and provide leaders with visibility into OpenAI's product roadmap for long-term planning.”
OpenAI and Emirates technology teams will also work closely together to optimise integrating OpenAI’s models to establish rapid prototyping and deployment best practices, alongside Gen AI sandboxes.
“Emirates is committed to using technology and innovation to lead the way in aviation,” the airline said.
“The airline’s approach aims to create practical and scalable solutions that benefit travellers, communities, the wider industry, and all its brands and businesses.”
In other Emirates news, the Group’s SkyCargo business has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LODD Autonomous to explore the development and deployment of drone-based solutions.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies will collaborate on the use of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations.
The agreement follows last week’s successful first test flight of LODD’s Hili, an unmanned, hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
Hili is fully autonomous from takeoff to landing, with a payload capacity of up to 250kg and a range of 700km.
“As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future-fit technologies for the seamless movement of goods, the Hili will be considered to join the airline’s ground fleet, to manage operations across its dual airport hub,” the company said.