Emirates signs $402m IT deal with IBM

Dubai’s Emirates Airlines has signed a US$300 million (A$402 million), 10-year technology services agreement with IBM. 

Under the deal, IBM will provide information technology infrastructure and services, allowing the airline to improve efficiency on its passenger support systems and functions, a statement from IBM said. 

The managed services agreement will include assistance in encrypting the airline's data in near real-time, as well as the ability to build custom apps using IBM's APIs. 

Emirates has used IBM's Z-series mainframes to run its ticketing and reservations system for around 30 years, including for mission critical data and transactions. 

In October 2015, IBM signed a US$700 million deal with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways for a range of IT services and infrastructure. 

Emirates, the world’s fourth largest carrier of international passengers, reported a profit of US$1.93 billion for the financial year to March 31, a jump of 56 percent over the year.