Ryanair will introduce Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence tools and DeepMind models across its operations under a new five-year cloud partnership aimed at improving efficiency, crew scheduling and operational decision-making.
The Irish airline, Europe’s largest carrier by passenger numbers, said it would roll out Google Workspace and Google Cloud services to about 35,000 employees across its network.
The agreement is part of Ryanair’s wider technology strategy as the airline works towards its target of carrying 300 million passengers a year by 2034. The company said stronger digital infrastructure would be essential as its operations expand.
Ryanair Chief Executive Eddie Wilson said the airline needed resilient infrastructure to support its growth and described the new arrangement as part of a dual-cloud strategy designed to reduce the risk of technology disruptions.
The agreement with Google Cloud will complement Ryanair’s existing relationship with Amazon Web Services. Using two major cloud providers is intended to give the airline greater flexibility and reduce its reliance on a single technology platform.
Ryanair said it would use Gemini Enterprise to develop customised AI agents capable of handling certain operational decisions. The systems will also be used to improve crew scheduling and help reduce disruption across the airline’s network.
Crew planning is a complex part of airline operations because schedules can be affected by weather, delays, aircraft availability, staffing requirements and regulatory restrictions. Ryanair expects AI tools to help process large amounts of information and support faster responses when conditions change.
The airline will also use Google DeepMind models in its fleet and maintenance operations. These will include AlphaEvolve and WeatherNext, which Ryanair said would support fleet management and maintenance scheduling.
The financial terms of the five-year agreement were not disclosed.
Maureen Costello, Google’s vice president for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, said the partnership demonstrated how generative AI could be deployed on a large scale while helping companies control operational costs and expand their services.
Ryanair’s move reflects a broader trend across the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence for customer service, operations, maintenance and planning.
Research from aviation technology provider SITA and the International Air Transport Association has highlighted growing interest in AI as carriers look for ways to improve efficiency and reliability.
For Ryanair, the technology investment comes as the airline continues to expand its network and passenger targets. The company expects AI-powered tools to support employees rather than simply replace existing systems, with applications ranging from workforce planning to aircraft maintenance.
The new cloud arrangement also gives Ryanair access to a wider range of Google’s AI technology as it works to build an infrastructure capable of supporting larger operations.
The airline’s decision to combine Google Cloud with its existing Amazon Web Services platform reflects its focus on maintaining continuity as it scales up its operations over the coming years.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login