Microsoft and Boeing partner to advance aviation analytics

Boeing and Microsoft announced a deal to build a cloud-based platform for Boeing’s commercial aviation analytics tools suite.

Through the expanded collaboration, Boeing will leverage Microsoft’s AI and Cloud capabilities to update its technology infrastructure and mission-critical programs with intelligent new data-driven solutions, further paving the way for new working methods, operating, and doing business.

The two firms intend to collaborate to transition various Boeing commercial aviation applications into the Microsoft Azure cloud. Boeing’s advanced analytics aplications are currently used by over 300 airlines to optimize operational efficiency.

Susan Doniz, Boeing’s Chief Information and senior Vice               President of Information Technology and Data Analytics, said that the announcement represented a significant investment in Boeing’s digital future. She added that their strategic partnership with Microsoft would help them realize their cloud strategy by removing technological and infrastructure restraints.

Boeing’s applications provide airlines, maintenance suppliers, and airplane leasing companies with real-time information to enhance their operations, including leasing and purchasing airplanes and engines, training and scheduling crews, route planning, maintaining fleets, and managing inventory.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s executive VP of worldwide commercial business, said that they were focused on enabling organizations across business sectors to advance their digital transformation at Microsoft. He added that working with Boeing could help businesses across aviation become more innovative, adaptive, and intelligence-driven, including airlines, suppliers, operators, support, and service providers.