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What does it take to stand out today as a true technology expert in a world with “wizards” everywhere on the internet? For Santosh Kumar Chennuri, it is when an individual comes up with a practical and effective solution for the pain points of people and industries today.
Santosh Kumar Chennuri has demonstrated practical problem-solving skills in the travel industry. Recently, he led a major project for a global travel company to migrate all its data centers to the Cloud.
As a lead customer engineer at Google, Chennuri has helped businesses manage cloud migration and application modernization. Being driven, he has also applied his expertise to the travel industry. The result is a scenario where airlines can leverage real-time data analytics to organize flight operations, enhance customer experiences, and ensure seamless security.
Taking travel to the cloud
Of all the industries, the airline industry would definitely benefit from a proper digital solution. Santosh Kumar Chennuri’s work at Google has given him an informed perspective on how cloud solutions can address the industry’s challenges. “The airline industry is facing pressures to innovate and adapt. By embracing cloud technologies, airlines can discover new efficiencies, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth,” Chennuri shares. “This is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about fundamentally changing how airlines operate and interact with their customers.”
One of the biggest advantages of cloud adoption in travel is the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data in real time. This capability will allow airlines to optimize flight schedules, predict maintenance needs, and personalize passenger experiences. This is particularly useful for passengers with very specific needs, such as those with dietary considerations or traveling with support animals. However, this could also present some challenges, such as ensuring data security and compliance with stringent travel regulations.
Santosh Kumar Chennuri’s certifications in Google Cloud, including Professional Cloud Architect and Professional Cloud Security Engineer, give him an advantage in addressing these challenges. Considering that security in all aspects is a primary consideration in the travel industry following the 9/11 tragedy, Chennuri’s expertise is crucial.
Turbulence in the travel industry
Even with the benefits of cloud adoption, the airline industry will still face unique challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is integrating legacy systems with modern cloud technologies. This requires a deep understanding of travel’s technical and operational aspects, as well as considering the capabilities of certain airlines to adopt or improve their systems to accommodate technological upgrades. Chennuri notes, “A successful cloud is all about aligning business goals with technical capabilities. Airlines must ensure that their cloud strategies are closely tied to their operational needs and customer expectations.“
Another challenge is the need for continuous reinvention. The airline industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires constant adaptation to new technologies and standards. Santosh Kumar Chennuri knows the importance of embracing these new technologies and experimenting with different solutions. This kind of approach will allow airlines to stay agile and responsive to changing market conditions.
The airline industry is highly reliant on real-time data analytics, which means that any service disruption can have great consequences, even life-threatening ones. This is why ensuring the reliability and scalability of cloud systems is essential.
Clear skies ahead
Santosh Kumar Chennuri believes that the future of travel technology will likely be shaped by advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. This includes a future where airlines use AI-driven insights to predict passenger behavior, optimize routes, and ensure safety. “The potential for AI in travel is vast. When we integrate AI with cloud technologies, airlines can secure new levels of efficiency,” Chennuri states.
This observation is not just speculative; it is already being realized in various forms. AI is already being used to analyze flight patterns and predict potential delays, allowing some airlines to manage their schedules proactively. Similarly, AI-driven analytics can help personalize passenger experiences by predicting preferences, which will work particularly well for frequent flyers.
Santosh Kumar Chennuri sees it this way: no matter how advanced the technology gets, staying ahead in travel depends on knowing how to use it wisely. “The future of airlines will come down to how well they use technology to improve the experience and keep customers satisfied,” he says.
