Singapore Airlines (SIA) has acquired a minority stake in Australia-founded Data Republic, which facilitates “shared data projects” between organisations, shortly after launching a joint venture that will see KrisShop, formerly the Singapore Airport Duty-Free Emporium, transform into an e-commerce platform.
Data Republic’s governance platform, Senate, enables organisations to “collaborate on shared data projects in a secure environment”, leveraging technology to protect privacy, provide audit trails and ensure data security, according to a statement released by the airline.
“SIA recognises the increasing importance that data plays in allowing organisations to have an enriched understanding of customers’ preferences,” said the airline’s senior vice president, information technology, George Wang.
The airline will work with Data Republic as well as its partners to provide opportunities for data collaboration.
This follows the launch of a joint venture between SIA, 3Sixty (formerly DFASS Group) and SATS on December 1.
It was announced earlier this year that the joint venture will cover activities commencing under the existing KrisShop and Scootalogue in-flight sales brands, transforming KrisShop into an e-commerce platform.
Activities include in-flight duty-free and ground-based duty-paid goods, as well as pre-order services, with onboard and ground-based deliveries.
The companies signed a share subscription agreement under they will jointly invest about S$35 million (US$25.6 million) in KrisShop. SIA holds 70 per cent of the entity, while 3Sixty (Singapore) and SATS each holds 15 per cent.
