Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has established an AI Centre of Excellence, a new global division that will focus on promoting, adopting, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the company’s corporate divisions.
The ‘AI Centre of Excellence’ will strategically 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. He most recently served as global chief technology officer for FCM Digital.
Lopez and his 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 integrate the technology into the operations of the company’s business travel divisions Corporate Traveller and FCM.
“In today’s ever-changing digital world, we recognise the tremendous potential with AI and ways it can transform our work,” said John Morhous, global chief experience officer of FCTG’s Corporate Brands.
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.
“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. The launch of the ‘AI Centre of Excellence’ is another significant step and milestone to add to the company’s already decorated history of innovation,” said Lopez.
A travel technology pioneer, 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 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 officially joined the FCTG team, where he helped oversee the integration of Sam’s capabilities across various corporate travel products, while also leading the development of the new FCM Platform.
