Emirates Group, Carnegie Mellon University partner to launch innovation lab

Emirates Group, which includes Emirates airline and dnata, recently partnered with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to form the CMU-Emirates Silicon Valley Innovation Lab.

The goal for the lab is to make Emirates and dnata the leading customer-centric, technology-enabled travel experience companies. The lab will focus on all areas of service, including customer experience, commercial operations and back-office functions. It will also be used as a clearinghouse for ideas and new technology.

"Emirates Group is committed to being an innovative player and leader in all aspects of the airline industry, including its business, brand, technology, product and people,” Gary Chapman, president of group services and dnata, Emirates Group, said. “We are focused on creating and leveraging big data and new technologies to create a personalized engagement experience for Emirates’ customers."

The lab will give CMU students the opportunity to study using real-world situations and applications.

The official partnership follows Emirates' launching of an innovation lab at Oxford University Oct. 28.