Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ national airline and one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers, and global IT and communications provider, SITA, announced a 10-year strategic partnership. The multi-million dollar agreement will provide the airline with the latest global infrastructure solutions, while reducing the cost and complexity of IT. The partnership will underpin Etihad’s vision to be a truly 21st century, global airline, challenging and changing established conventions.

Over the decade, SITA will deliver infrastructure and end-user computing solutions powered by the Air Transport Industry (ATI) Cloud, which will ensure up-to-date services are continually available as Etihad expands its global presence.

Etihad is also adopting new innovative services including SITA CrewTablet, which its cabin crew will use to access passenger and operational data via tablets. This end-to-end mobility solution designed specifically for the airline industry will enhance in-flight services and customer interaction for Etihad’s more than 10 million passengers. In addition, SITA is working with the airline to establish new connectivity solutions at airport gates to enable the most efficient management of Etihad’s next-generation aircraft.

Attending this week’s Air Transport IT Summit, James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said:

“Etihad Airways has enjoyed a productive partnership with SITA since our establishment in 2003. We continue to work together on evolving and new technology which not only will reduce our costs and increase our productivity, but also will contribute to improvements in the service we continue to offer to our guests.”

Francesco Violante, CEO, SITA said: “Our partnership with Etihad gives us an opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s leading premium airlines, which is based in the Middle East, a global center of aviation growth. Together we will explore new solutions that will meet Etihad’s unique demands in the years ahead.”