The UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) will jointly develop initiatives and conduct research into how AI could transform key aspects of the nation’s integral aviation sector.
Under the partnership, MBZUAI and Etihad Airways will be cooking up joint training programmes and digging into research opportunities. The two organisations will also launch a flurry of seminars, workshops, and conferences that will explore the electrifying possibilities of AI in aviation.
The MoU guarantees training opportunities for MBZUAI students, a golden ticket to deepen their understanding of the aviation industry and unlock the hidden potential of AI to conquer its challenges. Etihad Airways and MBZUAI will also engage in scientific research and exchange invaluable expertise.
“We are proud to collaborate with various stakeholders in driving the integration of AI into their core operations, solidifying MBZUAI’s vision to fostering technological advancement in the UAE,” said Sultan Al Hajji, MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations.
He added, “Aviation is a key strategic sector in the UAE, helping to drive commerce and tourism and positioning the nation as a global hub. Through this partnership with Etihad Airways, MBZUAI aims to bring the power of AI to the aviation industry. Close collaboration is key in enabling our faculty, students, and researchers to understand the challenges that this sector faces and the opportunities for growth that they see. The partnership will also give our students – many of whom have undertaken internships with Etihad Airways – and our researchers, the opportunity to gain valuable experience and insights, opening up new areas of specialisation.”
Mohamed Hasan Al Mansoori, Vice President of Emiratization Strategy & Government Relations at Etihad Airways, noted that the company prides itself on being an aviation leader, and now they’re diving headfirst into the AI revolution.
“We’re excited to partner with MBZUAI to explore opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, particularly in terms of long-term planning in areas such as customer service, flight planning, workforce and fleet management, and security. We look forward to developing this collaboration, maintaining our lead as an aviation innovator, and helping position the UAE as the world’s foremost hub for aviation,” he said.
