AirAsia opens tech centre in India's Silicon Valley

AirAsia has unveiled a new technology centre in Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, housing 35 software engineering and technology experts each tasked to design and create custom-built solutions for AirAsia’s airline and digital businesses.The new centre affirms its mission to transform into a travel technology company, AirAsia said in a statement. The team will work to streamline the airline’s digital assets such as airasia.com and the AirAsia mobile app, alongside the creation and implementation of new products and enhancements such as the new AI-powered chatbot, AVA, to provide frictionless journeys for the airline’s guests.The opening of the new technology centre is one of many global initiatives AirAsia is exploring to drive its digital transformation. In recent times, AirAsia has implemented a number of new digital features including flight search mapping and voice assistance which provides guests with a more seamless, user-friendly experience on its mobile app. Last October, it also collaborated with Google Cloud to integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence into every aspect of the airline’s business and culture.Aireen Omar, AirAsia deputy group CEO (technology and digital) said: "“India is a source for innovation and cutting-edge technology, and offers us tremendous growth potential when it comes to our mission to develop an all-encompassing travel technology ecosystem. This is why we are so excited to expand our footprint in India with the opening of a new technology centre."AirAsia India MD and CEO Sunil Bhaskaran added that India's skilled manpower can address the requirements of the global market, at the same time adding value to the Indian ICT industry and helping to strengthen the industry ecosystem.