FCTG’s Adrian Lopez.
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), a major TMC, has announced the
establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence, a new global division that
will focus on promoting, adopting, and integrating AI technologies into
the company’s corporate divisions.
The division will harness the power of AI to revolutionise FCTG’s
flagship business travel divisions, Corporate Traveller and FCM, by
enriching customer experiences, boosting employee productivity and more.
As part of the launch, Adrian Lopez will step into a newly created
role as head of AI for corporate, where he will lead a dedicated team of
technical experts responsible for laying out the shared corporate
vision for AI within the organisation. He most recently served as global
chief technology officer for FCM Digital.
New strategies
The team will set the overall AI strategy for FCTG’s corporate brands
and ensure the company is maximising the potential around generative
AI, while doing so effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with its
business objectives.
The specialised team will implement best practices and provide
research, support, and training around AI, with a focus on improving
efficiency and driving value to new and existing clients. They will look
to find ways to seamlessly integrate the technology into the operations
of Corporate Traveller and FCM.
Other goals will include strengthening the relationship between the
human workforce and hands-on AI applications. The automation and machine
learning that AI offers will prove to complement the personal touch and
natural intuition of the human mind.
Furthermore, FCTG will leverage AI to enhance productivity and
improve workflow optimisation, allowing its teams to focus on priority
initiatives and more creative-driven projects.
I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in my career with FCTG and to further push the boundaries of technology in travel,” said Lopez. “The disruptive benefits of AI will enable us to work more efficiently, identify new ways to service our clients, and reach the next generation of business travellers.
Adrian Lopez, head of AI for corporate, FCTG
Lopez has over a decade of industry experience. In 2014, he
co-founded the corporate travel tool SAM, a mobile AI-powered app that
operates as a 24/7 virtual travel assistant, helping business travellers
easily manage their trips.
FCTG made an initial investment in SAM in 2017, which was followed by
a full acquisition in 2019. After the ownership transition, Lopez
joined the FCTG team, where he has helped oversee the integration of
SAM’s capabilities across various corporate travel products, while also
leading the development of the new FCM Platform.