University and Wizz Air announce exciting new partnership

The partnership leverages the University's strong record in AI and automation to develop new technologies that support Wizz Air's mission to be the airline of choice for cost-conscious travellers. It will enable students to collaborate with Wizz Air on education programmes, joint research projects, and professional development initiatives, providing them with valuable exposure to real-world challenges and pioneering technologies in the aviation industry.

As part of the agreement, students will benefit from access to industry professionals, live projects, and potential work-based experiences, reinforcing the University's Career-Powered Educationethos - an approach that ensures every graduate leaves with the skills, experience, and connections to succeed in the workforce.

With the Luton campus located just 2.5km from Wizz Air's headquarters at London Luton Airport, the University of Bedfordshire is ideally positioned to support the airline's innovation needs while creating new opportunities for students to engage directly with industry leaders.

Dr Edward Braund, Head of the School of Computing, Engineering & Creative Industries, said: "We are delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Wizz Air. This partnership brings together the University's research and education strengths with Wizz Air's industry leadership to tackle disruptive digital technologies in aviation, develop a skilled technical pipeline for the region, and create high-quality learning and work experience opportunities for our students.

"By collaborating on education programmes, shared facilities, research projects, staff development and community outreach, we will support innovation around Luton Airport's expansion and deliver tangible benefits to students, industry and the local community. We look forward to working closely with Wizz Air to drive applied research, knowledge exchange and the next generation of aviation talent."

Luton AIis a civic organisation based at the University of Bedfordshire, leveraging the institution's strong record in artificial intelligence and automation. It is designed to build an AI ecosystem that drives business and technology innovation, creates high-skilled jobs in the region, fosters a collaborative network of AI adopters, and delivers a wide range of AI training, skills, and security development programmes - strengthening the UK's position as a global leader in AI.

Phil Cullen, Head of Operations at Wizz Air UK, added: "Artificial Intelligence is already transforming the way we operate our fleet, enabling us to deliver seamless, personalised, and intuitive travel experiences. Innovation and efficiency are at the core of everything we do, and this collaboration allows us to combine cutting-edge academic expertise with real-world application - inspiring future generations while strengthening and futureproofing the UK aviation industry. Together, we're giving students invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in one of the world's fastest-evolving sectors."