Mastering Data & AI: Insights from Virgin Atlantic’s VP of Data & AI Richard Masters

Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com

Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast that brings you expert insights into how data and AI are transforming industries. 

In this episode, Raoul sits down with Richard Masters, VP of Data and AI at Virgin Atlantic, to explore how the airline leverages AI and data-driven strategies to enhance operations, optimise pricing, and deliver premium customer experiences.

The pair also go on to discuss why data & AI are critical for airline success, the build vs. buy dilemma in AI solutions, and the importance of a product mindset in AI adoption.

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Thanks for listening—stay ahead, stay inspired, and stay masterful!

Chapter Markers:

(02:30) Why data and AI are crucial for airlines 

(07:20) The squad model: How data teams operate at Virgin Atlantic 

(13:47) Build vs. buy: How to decide on AI solutions 

(18:07) What Gen AI means for Virgin Atlantic 

(21:05) Responsible AI: The importance of ethical and safe AI implementation 

(24:21) Experimentation vs. long-term AI strategy 

(28:13) Quick-fire round: Richard’s industry insights and personal favorites 

(30:24) Final thoughts and key takeaways

Useful Links: 

Learn more about Cambridge Spark: cambridgespark.com 

Connect with Richard Masters on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richard-masters

Follow Raoul Gabriel Urma on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raoulurma

Explore AI & Data Apprenticeships: cambridgespark.com/apprenticeships