Google acquires Spirit Airlines dataset for AI training
Google has purchased the entire dataset of Spirit Airlines for $10 million. The data will be used to train the company's artificial intelligence models.
Technology giant Google has acquired the complete dataset of the defunct Spirit Airlines for $10 million. The deal, disclosed Monday, allows Google to use Spirit's customer interactions, such as ticket purchases and customer service emails, to train its artificial intelligence models.
Spirit Airlines' abrupt shutdown in May was unprecedented in the U.S. airline industry. Unlike many previous bankruptcies, Spirit did not merge with another carrier but ceased operations entirely, leading to an auction of its assets, including planes and real estate.
According to Google, the acquired data has been stripped of all identifying information and does not contain personal details about customers or employees. The company stated it will use the data to improve its products and AI models.
In addition to Google, tech firm Mercor also showed interest in the dataset, bidding $7.5 million. U.S. bankruptcy judge Sean Lane will consider approving the data sale on Wednesday. The transaction is expected to set a precedent for leveraging data from bankrupt companies in AI development.