International Airlines Group Appoints Ben Dias as Chief AI Scientist

(EMEA) The International Airlines Group (IAG) has appointed Dr. Ben Dias as Chief AI Scientist. With a 20-year career in AI, data science, and analytics, Dias will lead the Group’s AI strategy, establishing models that can be leveraged across IAG’s operating companies, including airlines Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.

Dias has held leadership roles at easyJet, Royal Mail, Tesco, and Unilever. He holds a PhD in Computer Vision and a Masters in Mathematics and Astronomy from University College London.

In his new role, Dias will be focused on building and scaling AI products that enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and drive sustainable efficiencies. IAG has opened IAG.ai labs in London and Barcelona as spaces to foster collaboration and innovation. The IAG airlines are already using machine learning to give pilots access to real-time weather data through AI-driven forecasts and have reduced the time taken to speak to customer care teams and resolve issues by personalizing customer service with more intuitive and responsive virtual assistants.

Jorge Saco, IAG’s Chief Information, Procurement Services, and Innovation Officer, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ben to IAG and his appointment firmly reflects the growing role of AI within our business. AI has the potential to make our businesses perform better, help our employees, and is essential to our long-term success.”

Dias said: “It’s a privilege to have joined IAG at such a pivotal time in their transformation program. There’s a huge opportunity to use AI across innovation and it’s impressive the value and investment IAG are placing on this technology. I’m excited to find new ways to streamline operations, predict customer needs, and increase efficiencies across the board.”