TCS, Virgin Atlantic ink 7-year deal to modernise airline's core system with AI-led solutions

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Tuesday announced a renewed seven-year strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic to modernise the UK airline’s core technology systems using artificial intelligence and cloud-first solutions.

Under the agreement, TCS will implement an AI-powered digital core to enhance Virgin Atlantic’s business agility, operational resilience, and customer experience.

The move builds on a two-decade collaboration between the companies and aims to transform the airline’s technology infrastructure with a modernised, unified tech estate and a new Technology Command Centre.

The Command Centre, co-developed by TCS, will serve as the operational nerve centre, offering real-time insights to improve decision-making, streamline IT operations and empower front-line staff with contextual data. This is expected to enable smarter, more efficient and sustainable journeys, while delivering superior hyper-personalised experiences for customers across all travel touchpoints.

“We exist to make our customers smile, it’s that simple,” said Oli Byers, Chief Financial Officer, Virgin Atlantic. “As we look ahead to this next phase of our digital transformation, technology will enable us to deliver smarter, simpler, and more memorable experiences. TCS has been a partner for more than two decades and together we’ll continue to build towards our vision of becoming the most loved travel company.”

TCS will deploy proprietary AI-led platforms such as TCS Cognix and TCS AI WisdomNext as part of the transformation.

“By combining our deep aviation expertise with advanced capabilities in data, AI, and engineering, we’re helping Virgin Atlantic build intelligent, scalable digital ecosystems and redefine the future of travel,” said Amit Kapur, Country Head, UK & Ireland, TCS.

Virgin Atlantic, which carried over 5 million passengers in 2024 across more than 30 destinations, has relied on TCS for innovation and agility across critical systems, including crew management, cargo, engineering, and enterprise platforms.

TCS, a global IT services major and part of the Tata Group, has operated in the UK for 50 years and serves over 200 companies, including around half of the FTSE 100.