Research & Development

Exploring emerging tech and business models of the future

We consider technologies being scaled in other industries that are new to aviation, evaluate use cases for emerging technologies, and explore how they could help us develop new products, services and business models in the future.

01
Artificial Intelligence

AI for flight operations 

We can use artificial intelligence and its advanced algorithms, data analysis, machine learning, and generative AI technologies to help optimise operations. This will help make scheduling, route planning and maintenance more efficient and cost effective, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction.

02
Airport Automation

Automation for improved efficiency and experience

We explore the automation of processes such as check-in, baggage handling, security screening and airside operations, to help improve punctuality, efficiency and customer experience.

03
Digital Identity

Digital ID for seamless journeys

We trial new technologies that provide our customers with seamless and secure access to online digital services, while safeguarding their privacy and giving them more control over their personal data. This delivers a better customer experience and helps customers flow through the airport more easily and efficiently.

04
Future Compute

Future compute for faster data processing

We see the opportunity for next generation processing such as quantum and edge computing to provide faster and more secure data processing for areas such as flight monitoring and customer experience management, as well as enhancing real time communication.

Industry network

Our network spans the breadth of industry expertise and insight, across both our internal knowledge experts and consulting partners.

Through industry leadership at forums such as IATA, ICAO, OIX and oneworld, we drive our industry forward to leverage new technologies and business models.

How can we help?

How do you decide which start-ups to work with?

We work closely with our airlines and operating companies to understand their requirements, scout for leading solutions and help them screen for the best fit. 

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For the Deploy track, our decision will be based on a number of factors such as fit with our business requirements, solution maturity, ability to implement and scale across our group and future commercial terms.

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For the Discover track, we will primarily be assessing how novel your technology is and its potential for achieving cost competitiveness when scaled.

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What stage does my company need to be at to be eligible to participate in the accelerator?

We ask that your start-up has been incorporated and:

  • For the Deploy track: has a product or solution that is ready to test in a 12 week proof-of-value
  • For the Discover track: have technologies that have been proven at lab scale as a minimum (TRL 4+) 

We don’t have hard criteria for what we consider a start-up or scale-up. In the past, we have worked with companies from pre-seed to post Series D, but most are between Seed and Series B. We’re most interested in how well your solution fits with the challenge we are trying to solve.

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I have a deep tech start-up but not in any of the focus areas listed - which track should I apply under?

If you believe your solution can help the aviation industry, we would love to hear from you. Please select ‘Other’ as the focus area under the Discover Track in the application form. We review all applications carefully and will allocate start-ups to the programme which we believe is the best fit.

Do you require equity in exchange for participation in your accelerator?

No but we may ask for the option to co-invest in your next round if your technology fits with our investment thesis.