Google Cloud scores new contract with Lufthansa Group

Google Cloud has signed a deal with Europe-based global aviation firm Lufthansa Group, which will underpin the Group's goal to optimise operations performance.

Google Cloud's infrastructure and machine learning capabilities will support Lufthansa Group's new operation platform.

That platform will simultaneously consider a number of factors of a stable operation, such as aircraft rotation, aircraft maintenance, crew assignment and more--and provide recommendations to improve passenger punctuality, on-time flights and flight plan adherence in case of disruptions, such as weather events or delays due to airspace congestion.

Additionally, an onsite Google Cloud team will work with Lufthansa Group's operations and IT experts to support Lufthansa Group in designing and implementing the platform.

"Through this collaboration, we have a significant opportunity to revolutionize the future of airline operations," says Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian.

"We're bringing the best of Lufthansa Group and Google Cloud together to solve airlines' biggest challenges and positively impact the travel experience of the more than 145 million passengers that fly annually with them."

The Lufthansa Group is the world's largest aviation group in terms of revenue as well as the market leader in Europe's airline sector.

In 2018, the Lufthansa Group generated sales of around 35.8 billion Euro. Lufthansa Group welcomed more than 145 million passengers and employs more than 135,000 personnel (2019). Lufthansa Group airlines serve around 270 destinations in 105 countries (during winter 2019-2020).

"By combining Google Cloud's technology with Lufthansa Group's operational expertise, we are driving the digitisation of our operation even further," explains Lufthansa Group executive board member Dr. Detlef Kayser.

"This will enable us to identify possible flight irregularities even earlier and implement countermeasures at an early stage."

Google Cloud also announced a partnership with Sabre Corporation, a provider of software to the global travel industry.

The 10-year partnership aims to improve Sabre's technology capabilities, use Google Cloud tools to enhance travel products, and to drive a broader innovation framework.

"Today, we embark on a new transformational journey with Google. As our preferred cloud provider and broader strategic partner, Google Cloud will help to accelerate our digital transformation and ability to create a new marketplace and critical products and systems focused on our customer needs for decades to come," comments Sabre president and CEO Sean Menke.

Google Cloud works with customers in more than 150 countries to bring enterprise-grade cloud solutions to businesses that understand data-powered innovation on modern computing infrastructure.