India’s (TCS) has prolonged its seventeen-yearlong joint venture with Virgin Atlantic to be exclusively responsible for the UK airline’s end-to-end operational management and digital transformation.

However, it includes technology operations, like the adoption of Cloud Hyper scalers and Microsoft Azure. TCS will also build digital solutions with its 'Cloud First' principles to help Virgin Atlantic improve technology resilience and performance.

The expanded engagement will also include a team consisting of TCS and Virgin Atlantic’s employees who will run the airline’s end-to-end technology operations. More than 70 staff of Virgin Atlantic’s technology team will transfer to the Indian IT services firm.

“As we emerge from a period of great challenge and transition, our strong foundations and belief in our partnership with TCS remains integral to our strategy for future transformation,” said Ash Jokhoo, chief data and information officer, Virgin Atlantic.

“The travel and hospitality industry is leveraging digital innovations to reimagine experience for consumers looking forward to a positive return to air travel post the pandemic,” says Arun Pradeep, business head (travel and hospitality) at TCS Europe and UK. “We are pleased to partner with Virgin Atlantic to drive their digital transformation and power their next chapter of growth.”

TCS is the second largest Indian company by market capitalization. Tata Consultancy Services is placed among the most valuable IT services brands worldwide.

Virgin Atlantic has its origins in a joint endeavour by Randolph Fields, an American-born lawyer, and Alan Hellary, a former chief pilot for British private airline Laker Airways.