Brazilian carrier Azul Airlines has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its revenue management, network planning, and maintenance systems, which has led to substantial financial benefits, generating approximately $6 million in weekly gains. According to André Américo, the director of network and strategic planning and revenue management at Azul, AI has significantly enhanced the airline's operational efficiency.

In revenue management, AI algorithms analyze large data sets to optimize pricing strategies, ensuring that ticket prices are adjusted in real-time based on demand and competition. This proactive approach allows Azul to maximize its revenue potential for each flight.

In terms of network planning, AI helps in forecasting demand for routes more accurately. By analyzing historical travel patterns, seasonal trends, and customer preferences, the airline can strategically select routes to operate, reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.

Furthermore, AI plays a vital role in maintenance systems, predicting potential aircraft issues before they occur by analyzing performance data. This proactive maintenance strategy minimizes downtime, improves aircraft availability, and enhances safety standards.

Overall, the implementation of AI at Azul Airlines has not only improved financial outcomes but also streamlined operations, leading to better resource management and enhanced customer satisfaction. The successful application of AI in these areas highlights its potential to transform the airline industry, driving both operational efficiency and profitability.

The Strategic Imperative for CFOs to be AI Entrepreneurs
By Kelley Lynn Kassa, Senior Analyst, Data & Analytics at BARC

CFOs are uniquely positioned to transform data into actionable enterprise intelligence, especially as agentic AI and predictive planning revolutionize performance management. This shift places finance leaders in a prime position to bolster their organization’s data foundation and drive strategies that enhance value.

Agentic AI can fundamentally change corporate planning, forecasting, and performance measurement. According to BARC’s report, “Predictive Planning and Forecasting on the Rise – Hype or Reality?,” predictive algorithms have increasingly automated planning processes and improved forecasting accuracy. This ability to deliver quicker insights and facilitate deeper analysis can significantly enhance decision-making capabilities.

However, successful implementation of agentic AI relies on having a robust data foundation. CFOs must prioritize data quality, governance, and accountability, acting as key facilitators of AI integration into performance management. A BARC study reveals that 34% of organizations struggle with data architecture, highlighting the importance of clean and contextualized data for effective AI utilization.

As companies adopt advanced planning tools, the CFO’s role is evolving. No longer confined to traditional budgeting and reporting tasks, today’s CFOs are becoming proactive leaders who contribute to strategic decision-making across the organization. Research shows that 27% of organizations already use predictive planning, with 65% expecting significant benefits, including improved accuracy and reduced effort in FP&A activities.

To optimize AI's benefits, finance teams must integrate data from various sources, establish governance frameworks, promote data literacy, and collaborate with IT leaders. The future CFO will not only manage financial outcomes but also ensure that every decision is supported by trusted data, paving the way for enhanced corporate performance management.

Fliggy, Alibaba Group's online travel booking service, is revolutionizing the travel industry with its innovative, AI-driven approach. As China's leading travel platform, Fliggy is redefining ordinary online travel agencies (OTAs) into 'omni-intelligent travel agents.' This transformation employs multiple AI agents to deliver personalized and seamless travel experiences, both for consumers and businesses.

In 2025, Fliggy introduced its AI travel assistant, AskMe. This tool utilizes a collaborative approach where various AI agents function like a team of expert travel consultants, offering tailored trip planning, itinerary suggestions, and real-time adjustments. Unlike traditional platforms reliant on single AI systems, AskMe integrates specialized capabilities such as flight booking and budget management, combining scale and personalization without compromise.

Fliggy's innovations extend to enhancing the travel experience with heat maps illustrating popular destinations and interactive photo-based audio guides. These features cater to both leisure and corporate travelers, focusing on real-time support and adaptable itineraries.

In corporate travel, Fliggy’s subsidiary, AliBtrip, streamlines management with AI-driven solutions. The system facilitates employee travel bookings while ensuring compliance with company policies, providing a seamless experience and offering data insights to optimize travel strategies.

Strategic collaborations, particularly in Europe, enable Fliggy to support Chinese outbound tourists with tailored services, such as AI-generated translations at tourist sites. This not only engages a significant market but also enhances the visitor experience.

Fliggy's comprehensive AI integration across its platform, covering aspects like supply chain management and customer service, exemplifies its commitment to revolutionizing travel. With approximately 10% of inquiries managed by AI tools, customer satisfaction improves alongside operational efficiency.

Fliggy's strategies position it as a leader in travel technology, heralding a new era where AI underpins personalized travel experiences and enables businesses to manage complexities effectively. Through AI, Fliggy is shaping the future of travel.

Krafter AI serves as an AI-enabled go-to-market associate, aimed at optimizing strategic planning and sales operations for founders and GTM teams. By utilizing proprietary large language models (LLMs), this platform automates the generation of crucial account plans, industry reports, and sales strategies—tasks that usually require hours of manual input.

The efficiency driven by Krafter AI allows teams to reclaim over 10 hours weekly, providing valuable time to focus on revenue-enhancing activities like closing deals and engaging clients. By integrating market intelligence and planning tools into a single platform, Krafter AI fosters agile decision-making and better strategic alignment. For businesses looking to scale while ensuring swift and precise execution, this tool exemplifies the rising trend of AI adoption within essential go-to-market processes.

Concrete Applications and Benefits:

1. Automated Strategic Planning - By automating key planning tasks and providing real-time insights, AI platforms transform the approach to business strategy.
2. Enhanced Efficiency - Automation not only saves significant time but also permits professionals to dedicate more energy to high-value tasks.
3. Centralized Market Intelligence - A unified platform for market intelligence and planning streamlines decision-making, fostering greater strategic agility.

Industry Impact:

1. Sales Technology Evolution - The sales technology sector is experiencing an increase in AI solutions that simplify operations and improve sales strategy formation.
2. Revolution in Business Strategy Consulting - AI tools are transforming the landscape, offering scalable solutions that refine strategic planning.
3. AI Integration in Business - Incorporating AI into business operations enhances efficiency in go-to-market strategies and improves overall decision-making processes.