To better meet present and future needs while lowering costs and enhancing agility, Etihad Airways launched a modern analytics and intelligence platform to implement a data-as-a-product ecosystem, shifting from its legacy data-as-an-asset approach.

The enterprise data platform team at Etihad collaborated closely with Microsoft on the digital transformation of the UAE’s national airline, which made extensive use of Azure’s cutting-edge intelligent data platform.

“By leveraging Microsoft’s suite of services, we will be able to democratize our data consumption by creating data products for all of our business units that serve their specific needs. A large part of our efforts is focused on formulating a robust data governance framework, which will give us a solid foundation to push a data-driven culture that fuels innovation at every touch point,” said Frank Meyer, chief digital officer at Etihad.

Etihad’s modernization initiative uses Azure’s cloud-native data services, including Azure Databricks, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, Event Hub, Azure Cosmos DB, and Microsoft Purview, which are made possible by Microsoft’s UAE-based cloud regions.

According to Karthic Sundararaj, VP of Technology & Architecture at Etihad Airways, the new system offers comprehensive analytics, intelligence, and automation continuum, from ingestion and storage through consumption and governance. The new platform is expected to influence various KPIs, from top to bottom, by bringing innovation, cost savings, and enhanced agility.