Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines has entered a strategic collaboration with UC Berkeley in order to look at technology that will shape the future of passenger experience.
Pegasus Airlines has an aim to be one of the top three airlines in the world in terms of the use of technology and as part of this aim, the Pegasus Innovation Lab was established in Silicon Valley.
The lab sees universities s a key driver in innovation and this is the reason why it has created the collaboration with UC Berkeley. The collaboration will explore many aspects including:
Innovation Through Artificial Intelligence
This partnership will bring together Pegasus’ industry know-how with the academic strength of the Institute for Business Innovation at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, one of the world’s foremost research institutions, to carry out joint projects in operational efficiency, flight safety and AI-based data-driven innovation. Through this collaboration, Pegasus aims to accelerate the development of next-generation business models by transferring academic insights into practical applications.
Seamless Air Travel Experience: Designing the Future Together with Students
A key pillar of this collaboration is the ‘Seamless Air Travel’ project, which is being carried out in partnership with UC Berkeley’s MBA ecosystem. This initiative focuses on creating an end-to-end self-service travel experience, with a particular emphasis on digital aviation, user experience and guest-centric solutions. By combining the creative energy of academia with operational needs, Pegasus seeks to transform innovative ideas into tangible outcomes.
Creative Solutions for Aviation Challenges Through the Innovation Hackathon
Jointly organised with Berkeley, the Innovation Hackathon aims to generate creative solutions for the aviation sector’s digitalisation and efficiency-driven needs, particularly in areas such as AI-powered guest experience and operational processes. The ideas developed during the hackathon will not only contribute to Pegasus’ technology strategy but also lay the groundwork for inspiring practices across the wider industry.
AI and Data Analytics Training to Deepen Competencies
An educational programme will be offered to Pegasus employees to deepen their knowledge of artificial intelligence and data analytics. Beyond technical training, the initiative aims to foster a culture of innovative thinking and data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Impact
This partnership is not just a project-based collaboration, but part of a long-term strategic vision. Believing that university-industry partnerships deliver not only technology development but also knowledge exchange, collective intelligence and talent growth, Pegasus is committed to designing the future through this multifaceted cooperation with UC Berkeley.
Pegasus Airlines was established in 1990 and is Türkiye’s low-cost operating to destinations across Europe from its primary hub at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.