By leveraging AWS, Southwest Airlines is expected to benefit from the automatic scaling capabilities of cloud technology to more efficiently perform real-time fare searches on its website and mobile app
AWS selected as preferred cloud provider by Southwest Airlines. (Credit: Colton Henline/Wikipedia.org)
US-based airline Southwest Airlines has selected Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider to advance the former’s digital transformation initiative.
Through the large-scale transformation with AWS, the airline expects to achieve its long-term goal of improving the passenger journey and streamlining operations.
Besides, Southwest Airlines’ collaboration is also a part of its plan to efficiently invest in information technology (IT) infrastructure.
Southwest Airlines senior vice president and chief information officer Lauren Woods said: “As our preferred cloud provider, AWS will offer solutions that are critical in our drive to modernize our operation, equip our employees with the tools they need to serve our customers, and improve our reliability.
“With the help of AWS’s leading cloud technology and expertise, we will launch improved digital solutions, responsive customer support, and streamlined operations as we deliver on our digital transformation initiatives.”
The US-based airline uses its website and application to directly reach passengers, generating over 83% of revenue coming from these channels.
By leveraging AWS, Southwest Airlines is expected to benefit from the automatic scaling capabilities of cloud technology to more efficiently perform real-time fare searches on its website and mobile app.
It is expected to allow customers to safely and quickly find and book fares quickly, including during periods of peak traffic.
Southwest Airlines’ innovation lab, which is backed by AWS, seeks to offer next-generation customer service and employee tools in a test-and-learn capacity.
The airline recently developed a secure system for collecting and storing pricing and flight shopping data by utilising AWS Lambda, a serverless compute service, and Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), which provides cost-effective storage classes.
Furthermore, the airline will leverage AWS storage, container, and serverless compute services to streamline operational applications to assist ground operations, gate assignments, flight operations, and aircraft maintenance.
AWS sales, marketing, and global services senior vice president Matt Garman said: “AWS’s proven experience in the travel industry, coupled with our vast portfolio of cloud technologies, empowers Southwest to increase operational resiliency, drive cost efficiency, and deliver exceptional experiences for its employees and customers.
“Our shared culture of customer obsession will help Southwest innovate new travel solutions that will enhance customer touchpoints, flight operations, and airplane and crew scheduling, to keep air travel affordable and enjoyable for passengers.”