Up in the cloud - JAL uses AWS to accelerate its secure and efficient digital transformation

The cloud has become an enabler of digital transformation projects to support developing business needs.

In the case of Japan Airlines Group, a partnerships with AWS has helped reduce operating costs by 50% through the flexible operation of IT resources, has promoted understanding of the cloud among JAL teams, has enabled quick provision of IT infrastructure, and has helped anticipate the utilisation of advanced technologies, such as using data analysis to improve the customer experience.

In its management plan, Japan Airlines Group has established the "JAL Vision", and has proceeded with initiatives to transform its airline business, JAL, into a truly global airline, creating new offerings one step ahead of competitors and achieving sustainable growth.

The Japanese flag carrier is working on a project to build a new cloud platform called 'CIEL' (meaning "sky" in French) in order to revamp the system used in various businesses operated by the JAL Group, including aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, and passenger services.

JAL's IT Planning Department and JAL Infotec, the main IT company in the JAL Group, support these efforts from an IT perspective. JAL is standardising its cloud API platform and updating the customer support system on Amazon Web Services (AWS).

"Cloud computing has progressed faster than initially expected, and cost reductions have been achieved while ensuring security. We will continue utilising new technologies to further improve efficiency and convenience in the future", says Kazuhiro Kurita, manager, IT operations and planning department, IT planning division at the airline.