Emirates airline, Oxford Univ partner for data science lab

Emirates airline has started a data science lab in partnership with Oxford University to examine new ways of forecasting demand and optimising seat inventory across the airline's global network.
Located at the Oxford Centre for Information at the University, the Oxford-Emirates Data Science Lab will draw on data science, machine learning, mathematics and big data to help place data at the heart of the organisation and streamline business processes.
The lab's focus will be to redefine the customer experience through improved personalisation with individual customers, according to a statement by Emirates airlines.
Part of the recently-launched Emirates Group Enterprise- Wide Transformation strategy, the lab will support the whole Group, including Emirates airline, Emirates SkyCargo and dnata, the air services provider.

"In the age of the digital economy, we have witnessed first-hand how technology-based innovation can transform brands and disrupt entire industries by placing the customer at the heart of the business.
"The Oxford-Emirates Data Science Lab will provide us with a best-in-class dedicated team who can test and develop new business solutions using big data and real-time analytics, helping to the transform the Group into a customer-centric, travel experience company," Emirates President Tim Clark said.
"At Oxford we have experts in all kinds of relevant areas - from optimisation and machine learning, to behavioural analytics and ethics - that will be able to help Emirates provide their passengers with a more personal service than ever before," said Professor Peter Grindrod at Oxford University said.