Emirates has signed a landmark agreement with OpenAI to embed artificial intelligence across its operations.
For business travellers, this signals a future of smarter journeys, streamlined processes, and enhanced customer experiences.
The Emirates Group has entered into a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI, committing to deploy ChatGPT Enterprise and build internal training and governance structures that will embed AI into operational, commercial, and customer‑facing processes. The collaboration will also see the creation of an internal network of AI “champions” and a dedicated Centre of Excellence, while technology teams from both organisations work together to develop frameworks and controlled testing environments.
Ali Serdar Yakut, Executive Vice President IT at Emirates, described the “enormous potential” of AI to tackle complex challenges, strengthen operations, and elevate customer service. Rod Solaimani, Regional Director MENA & Central Asia at OpenAI, called the plan a “bold vision” to transform aviation, embedding intelligence across operations and reimagining the travel experience for millions.
AI in aviation
Across the industry, airlines are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Predictive maintenance systems, fuel optimisation tools, and automated scheduling algorithms are already in use, while generative AI is being tested for customer interaction and internal automation. American Airlines, for example, has introduced Smart Gating technology at Dallas–Fort Worth, cutting taxi times by 20 percent and saving more than 11 hours of aircraft taxiing each day. Elsewhere, AI‑powered turnarounds are reducing turnaround times by a quarter, and flight training is being accelerated through AI‑driven simulations.
Yet safety, explainability, and regulatory oversight remain critical. Most carriers are adopting a phased approach, starting with back‑office functions before moving into operational decision‑making.
Implications for Emirates
For Emirates, the partnership with OpenAI offers early access to emerging developments and the chance to explore innovative solutions such as real‑time data analysis for operations planning, personalised customer communications, and rapid prototyping of AI‑assisted workflows. The airline sees this as a way to make its technology investments both strategic and scalable, delivering enhanced value to employees and customers while maintaining its competitive edge.
The integration of AI into aviation is still in its early stages, but initiatives like Emirates’ Centre of Excellence suggest the industry is moving from experimentation to implementation. For business travellers, the promise is clear: smarter operations, more personalised journeys, and a future where technology quietly removes friction from the travel experience.