IRAQI Airways, the national carrier of Iraq and one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, has announced its migration to Sita’s technology for communications, passenger management, flight operations, data link services and baggage tracing.
The adoption of these solutions will enable the airline to participate efficiently in the global market as it prepares for the delivery of 55 new aircraft from Boeing and Bombardier.
Over the next five to seven years, Iraqi Airways will enjoy the advantages of world-class services including Aircom, Sita’s aircraft operational communications system, which is used by 180 airlines and 8,500 aircraft worldwide; Horizon, the passenger management and distribution portfolio used by a community of more than 130 airlines, and WorldTracer, the industry-standard, fully-automated system for tracing lost and mishandled passenger baggage which is used by more than 450 airlines and ground-handling companies worldwide.
Kifah Jabar, director general of Iraqi Airways, said: “SITA has not only supplied us with the technology but has been a strategic partner as we plan for a new and exciting future for Iraqi Airlines, which in turn will encourage the economic development of the country as a whole. ”
Hani El Assaad, Sita regional vice president Mena, said: “Everything about this project has been a success. What normally would have taken a year has taken Sita, in very close partnership with Iraqi Airways, a mere four months.
“The migration to Horizon Reservations and Inventory – the heart of any airline’s operation – went very smoothly and Iraqi Airways will now be able to reduce its commercial cost by 20 per cent as it plans to grow passenger numbers by more than 15 per cent per year.“
The use of Horizon also includes departure control services (DCS) which manage the passenger at the airport ensuring that all current, and future, IATA and international security rules are respected.
Sita’s flight operations control and scheduled management will support the fleet of 60 aircraft. In addition, Aircom data link services will be provided for all the airline’s new aircraft, reducing manual data processes and providing direct data connectivity with air traffic services during flight.
With this extensive agreement, Sita will also supply, install and maintain all of the IT equipment at the airline’s 20 offices across Iraq, including the international airports in Baghdad and Basra and in seven countries worldwide.
• Sita has also announced a major deal with Royal Jordanian for a fully managed service for desktops, printers, servers and infrastructure to the airline’s global network of 56 out-stations over five years.
The agreement covers desktop remote support and equipment for 56 out-stations which includes software support and more than 500 new PCs and 18 servers for major offices. In addition to on-site maintenance support, there will be a Sita-operated helpdesk in Amman available 24/7.