IBM signs services deal with Emirates airline

Dubai: US tech giant IBM on Tuesday announced that it has signed a 10-year technology services agreement with Emirates airline worth $300 million.

IBM and Dubai`s government-controlled Emirates said in a joint statement that the American firm will provide IT infrastructure as a service, allowing the airline to improve efficiency on its passenger support systems and functions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Emirates, which flies to 150 destinations globally also collaborated with IBM earlier this year to enhance its Passenger Service System (PSS).

IBM technology and services will allow Emirates to re-design its business processes and streamline airport operations.

Emirates has run its ticketing and reservations system on the IBM mainframe for more than 30 years.

The deal marks IBM`s second multi-million dollar agreement in the Gulf state`s civil aviation industry.

In October 2015, UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways signed a $700 million deal with IBM for a range of security, technology and infrastructure services.