Emirates accelerates digital transformation across operations in FY2025-2026
Emirates accelerates digital transformation in FY2025-2026, deploying AI, data science and automation to cut food waste and enhance passenger service globally.
Emirates reports faster digital transformation in FY2025-2026
Emirates said it accelerated its digital transformation programme during the fiscal year 2025–2026, expanding use of artificial intelligence, data science and automation across the airline and the wider Emirates Group.
The carrier said these technologies were deployed to boost operational performance, improve resource management and deliver a more personalised experience for passengers across travel stages.
AI reduces catering waste and raises meal availability
The airline reported that AI-driven meal-demand forecasting across more than 300 daily flights significantly reduced food waste while improving availability of passengers’ preferred dishes.
According to the group’s annual report, the system lifted availability of the first-choice meal to 99.1% and cut catering waste by around 42 tonnes during the year.
Predictive models improve lounges, staffing and provisioning
Emirates described a predictive model that forecasts lounge usage three days in advance using passenger location, fare class and time of service.
The model enables more accurate catering provisioning and staff allocation, helping the airline streamline operations at Dubai International and other hubs.
Generative AI assistant speeds check-in and compliance
The carrier introduced a generative AI assistant for ground staff that provides instant access to check-in procedures and travel rules, improving transaction speed and regulatory compliance.
Emirates said the assistant supports frontline teams by reducing time spent searching for guidance and by standardising responses to passenger queries.
Crew devices and in-flight personalisation
More than 25,000 cabin crew members were equipped with digital devices and a suite of dedicated applications to support personalised onboard service.
These tools give cabin staff timely access to passenger information and service options, enabling more consistent and tailored interactions across the network.
OpenAI partnership, biometrics and sustainability targets
Emirates confirmed a strategic partnership with OpenAI announced last year, intended to scale AI adoption across the group, develop targeted training programmes and align leadership strategy with emerging technologies.
The carrier also said it invested in biometric processing paths to accelerate passenger movement, and highlighted ambitions to reduce food waste further, targeting a 60–70% cut as technology capabilities advance.
Emirates emphasised the practical, scalable nature of its technology initiatives, noting they are designed to benefit passengers, communities and the broader aviation sector.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing meal ingredients locally where possible, serving more than 110 million meals annually and supporting local economies while lowering transport-related emissions.
Emirates said its data-led approach not only tracks what passengers order and consume, but also uses advanced analytics to predict consumption patterns and customer satisfaction.
By trimming quantities and tailoring menus without narrowing choices, the airline aims to reconcile service quality with environmental goals.
The airline framed its digital drive as part of a wider strategy to make operations more efficient and resilient while preserving service consistency.
Emirates said automation and AI have led to faster, more reliable decision-making, enabling the group to deploy staff and resources where they are needed most.
Looking ahead, the carrier plans to continue rolling out AI and automation across operational and customer-facing areas, with a focus on measurable benefits such as waste reduction, time savings and improved on-time performance.
Officials signalled that future investments will prioritise scalable solutions that can be extended across all Emirates brands and businesses.
Emirates concluded that technology and innovation will remain central to shaping the future of travel, balancing passenger experience improvements with sustainability objectives and operational resilience.